The QB Who Stayed: Brandon Rose’s Uncommon Path in the Transfer Portal Era
Rose’s journey at Utah has been anything but straightforward. Since joining the Utes, he has found himself behind a series of accomplished quarterbacks. As a freshman, he was overshadowed by all-conference quarterback Cam Rising. In his sophomore year, he played as the scout team quarterback while walk-on Bryson Barnes led the team. This offseason, Utah signed freshman Isaac Wilson to compete for the backup role and later added Sam Huard, a highly-touted transfer from the University of Washington and Cal Poly.
Despite these challenges, Rose has not entered the transfer portal, a decision that speaks volumes about his character and determination. “He’s stuck it out,” says Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. “It speaks to his character, his drive, and his confidence in himself. It’s refreshing to see that happen, especially at that position.”
The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, offering players a way to quickly change schools in pursuit of playing time and better opportunities. This system has seen quarterbacks, in particular, become the most mobile athletes, often moving between multiple programs in their college careers. High-profile examples include Kedon Slovis, who played at USC, Pitt, and BYU, and Jalen Hurts, who transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma and later became an NFL star.
In 2023 alone, The Athletic reported that 266 FBS scholarship quarterbacks transferred to other Division I schools, with this number expected to rise. The portal’s impact is profound, creating a chain reaction as each transfer prompts others to follow suit. However, the reality is harsh for many; nearly 40 to 50% of those who enter the portal fail to secure scholarships or play time at their new schools.
Brandon Rose’s decision to stay at Utah is increasingly rare. In the fast-paced world of college football, patience and perseverance are often overlooked virtues. “As far as staying with something and working through it, they’re more likely to remove themselves from the situation and go somewhere else,” Whittingham observes.
Rose’s commitment to the Utes highlights a different approach. Instead of seeking immediate gratification through the portal, he has chosen to develop his skills and compete within the program. This long-term perspective is reminiscent of a bygone era in college sports, where athletes often stayed with a single program throughout their collegiate careers, regardless of playing time or competition.
In a position dominated by alpha personalities, Rose’s steadfastness is a testament to his character. “It’s the position with the alpha dogs,” says Whittingham. “They’re really competitive guys and if it looks like it will be several years before they get an opportunity, most move on.” Yet, Rose’s decision to remain with Utah, even when faced with multiple new recruits and transfers, sets him apart as a player willing to bet on his own development and future.
This resolve not only garners respect from his coaches and teammates but also serves as an example for other players in an era where the allure of the transfer portal can often overshadow the benefits of resilience and loyalty.
As the 2024 season approaches, Rose’s journey at Utah remains a compelling narrative. His choice to stay and fight for his position could ultimately pay off, both for him and the Utes. Regardless of the outcome, Rose’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance and commitment in the world of college athletics. It challenges the prevailing norms of the transfer portal era and offers a glimpse of what can be achieved through patience and hard work.
In the end, Brandon Rose’s path may well inspire other athletes to consider the long-term benefits of staying put and pushing through challenges, rather than seeking the often fleeting advantages of a transfer.