Following Jalen Hurts' decision to transfer, many predicting possible run at Heisman Trophy
Based on what Lincoln Riley has done during his short time as head coach at Oklahoma, where back-to-back starting quarterbacks (Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray) have won a Heisman Trophy for the Sooners, Jalen Hurts’ decision to finish his playing career in Norman makes a ton of sense.
“I’ve decided to take my talents to the University of Oklahoma, where I will continue my development as both a quarterback and as a student,” Hurts announced via The Players’ Tribune.
“I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.”
His decision also puts Hurts in discussion to be a Heisman Trophy favorite entering the 2019 season, considering Riley’s history of success coaching quarterbacks. When you factor in that Oklahoma has won four consecutive Big 12 titles, sliding Hurts into the lineup to make up for the loss of Kyler Murray is certainly intriguing.
Among the immediate reactions, many where connecting the dots to suggest Hurts makes a run at the next Heisman Trophy:
Jalen Hurts was 9/1 to win the @HeismanTrophy earlier today.
Have to think that moves a little based on recent history?
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) January 16, 2019
? Jalen Hurts transferring to Oklahoma
Looking to make it 3 straight transfer QB Heisman winners for OU https://t.co/lLcK6DqQpG
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) January 16, 2019
Future Heisman Trophy winner Jalen Hurts announces he will transfer to Oklahomahttps://t.co/PqhNoZnq4Y
— Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) January 16, 2019
Jalen Hurts to Oklahoma! And how cool would it be to see him sitting in the front row next December at the Heisman.
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) January 16, 2019
This reaction was interesting, as Rivals’ Mike Farrell offered up an interesting nugget:
I’m told one of the things Jalen Hurts wanted the most in a transfer school is the chance to play and beat #Bama in the playoff. #Sooners could give him that chance.
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) January 16, 2019
Jalen Hurts’ dad said that he would be one of the highest profile Grad Transfers of all-time. Hard to argue against that. Here is the news on the front page of https://t.co/lUrr1R1I38. pic.twitter.com/9J1th3ens4
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) January 16, 2019
So @LincolnRiley is blocking @A_Kendall11 from transferring to West Virginia while recruiting Jalen Hurts to take Kendall’s job? Damn, that’s a bad look for Riley and Oklahoma.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 16, 2019
Apparently Auburn tried to make a late push for Hurts late in the process:
Auburn tried to make a late push for Jalen Hurts, per sources. Gus Malzahn was in contact as recently as this week. https://t.co/U4xB5cxu4x
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 16, 2019
What is your initial reaction to the Hurts news?