Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley will be coaching his third starting quarterback in as many years when the Sooners open up camp later this year, and the latest has the potential to become the school’s third consecutive Heisman Trophy winner.
In a piece he wrote for The Players’ Tribune on Wednesday, Jalen Hurts announced he has decided to transfer from Alabama to Oklahoma. He said he is proud to have received his degree from the University of Alabama and thanked Nick Saban for changing his life. Hurts also admitted what happened during the 2018 National Championship Game — when he was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa — was tough for him.
“Was what happened in the 2018 National Championship Game bittersweet? Of course it was — it was a humbling experience. It was tough, man,” Hurts wrote.
“But I am even tougher for it. I AM BUILT FOR THIS.”
Hurts, who assured Crimson Tide fans he is “Bama for LIFE,” will be eligible to play immediately at Oklahoma as a graduate transfer. Riley is, of course, in search of another starting quarterback with Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray having declared for the NFL Draft. Murray took over for Baker Mayfield, who won the Heisman with the Sooners the year prior before being drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Many considered Miami the favorite to land Hurts, especially after the Hurricanes made their new offensive coordinator hire. Former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell, who will have two years of eligibility remaining when he is cleared, announced on Tuesday that he is heading to Miami. Oklahoma should be a great fit for Hurts.
