Odds Favor Jalen Hurts Transferring to TCU; Auburn, Maryland & Others In The Mix
- Jalen Hurts lost the starting quarterback job to Tua Tagovailoa during the 2018 NCAAF season
- It is now being reported Hurts has entered the transfer portal
- See the odds on where he will play in 2019
There’s one thing we believe to be true, Jalen Hurts days with the Crimson Tide are over. He entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal, signaling his intention to leave the program.
Hurts has one year of eligibility remaining and since he graduated in December, he’ll be eligible to play football immediately for whichever school lands his services.
Odds on Jalen Hurts’ Team Week 1 of 2019
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| TCU | +400 |
| Auburn | +500 |
| Maryland | +500 |
| Miami | +600 |
| Houston | +600 |
| Arkansas | +700 |
| Florida | +700 |
| Alabama | +700 |
| Florida State | +800 |
| Tennessee | +800 |
| Florida Atlantic | +1000 |
| Arizona | +1000 |
| Nebraska | +1200 |
| Oklahoma | +1200 |
| Any Other Program | +300 |
*Odds taken 1/10
Some interesting things to consider when looking at the odds.
Of the 14 teams listed, five are in the SEC, including a return to Alabama (+700), which I believe to be highly unlikely. Heisman trophy machine Oklahoma (+1200) is also an attention grabber.
No matter where Jalen Hurts chooses to play ? in the future his legend at Bama is eternal.
He will be forever revered in TTown.
First ever true FR QB starter for Saban.
26-2 record.
Lost job. Didn’t leave UA.
Graduated.
Movie script 4th Q vs. Georgia.
Class & grace throughout.— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) January 9, 2019
Reports surfaced the Oakland A’s, who own Murray’s MLB rights, believe he’s heading to the 2019 NFL draft, which would make the Sooners an attractive choice.
But for my money, these are the five teams worth strong consideration if you’re looking at this market for a futures wager.
TCU Horned Frogs (+400)
Jalen Hurts was born in Texas and the Horned Frogs appear to be a natural fit with a position opening at QB.
Was told by a source the first week of December that TCU was ‘all-in’ on trying to land Hurts since “he’s from Houston, his pops has a connection to the staff and Frogs need a QB.”
With the roster returning, TCU could be 6-0 with Hurts hosting Texas on Oct. 26. https://t.co/VN716xrdua
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) January 9, 2019
He could step in for Gary Patterson and energize a program coming off an 8-6 season, capped off by what might have been the most boring game of the bowl season, a 10-7 win over Cal.
One other thing to consider, Hurts attended a TCU school camp during the recruiting process before ultimately signing a letter of intent with Alabama.
Auburn Tigers (+500)
The Iron Bowl played every year between Auburn and Alabama is one of the best rivalries in sports. Now imagine that game with Jalen Hurts under center for the Tigers, squaring off against Tua Tagovailoa who took his job with Alabama.
Is this nearly as likely?
No. I don’t believe Hurts to be the spiteful type or he likely would’ve bolted the program before playing the role of good soldier this year. That said, it’s fun to dream isn’t it?
Miami Hurricanes (+600)
The case for Miami? Very simple.
Who is the most recent person Jalen Hurts has followed on Twitter? That would be Miami coach Manny Diaz. pic.twitter.com/10eV4wy8GR
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 10, 2019
Houston Cougars (+600)
February 12th, 2015 Hurts received an offer from Alabama. When considering who to bet on this is important for one very big reason, four days later he took an unofficial visit to Houston.
Despite having an offer from the most powerful college football program in the country, he still felt it necessary to visit the non-power 5 conference Houston Cougars. He’s from Texas, the connection makes sense and it appears to have some deep roots dating a long way back.
Florida Atlantic Owls (+1000)
A dark horse that may not really deserve to pay like one is FAU.
When Jalen Hurts was recruited by Alabama, a large part of that work was done by Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin. With Kiffin now the Head Coach at FAU, there is a clear connection and also a practical one.
Kiffin is a master recruiter and may have the easiest pitch of all, “I wouldn’t have switched QBs if I was still at Alabama, come join me at FAU and prove them wrong”.
Next year the Owls open the season with a date in Columbus to face Ohio State and follow that up with a match up against UCF. Small school maybe, but Hurts would have a couple of major stages to impress on right out of the gate.
Who’s the Best Bet?
The Houston connection is too much to overlook.
PICK: HOUSTON COUGARS (+600)
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
