Ex-USC QB Malachi Nelson favored to transfer to surprising school

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Malachi Nelson (8) before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson has scheduled his first official visit after entering the transfer portal, and it is to a somewhat surprising school.

Nelson will visit Boise State in upcoming days, and the Broncos are regarded as the favorites to land him, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. This is despite strong interest from across the country in Nelson, who was rated as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class by ESPN.

On the surface, Nelson winding up at Boise State would be a surprise given the prestige schools that would likely try to bring him in. However, the Broncos would afford Nelson a path to immediate playing time with what the quarterback sees as a reasonably strong roster. Nelson has also spoken to coach Spencer Danielson, and the two hit it off.

Boise State has a long history of success, though they are coming off an 8-6 season that included the firing of coach Andy Avalos. They rallied after that and won the Mountain West anyway, which perhaps encouraged Nelson to look their way.

A former star recruit, Nelson took four snaps for USC last year before deciding to transfer. Based on his choice of first visit, he may be prioritizing playing time as he looks for his next school.