BYU QB Jacob Conover Will Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Dec 2, 2022, 4:51 PM | Updated: 5:02 pm
BYU football quarterback Jacob Conover announced he is entering the NCAA's Transfer Portal. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – The future of the quarterback position for BYU football will not include Jacob Conover.
Conover announced on Friday his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. The third-year redshirt freshman has been the number two quarterback behind star Jaren Hall throughout the 2022 season.
When one door closes another one opens. Thank you Cougar Nation💙 pic.twitter.com/9j7obCHJVf
— Jacob Conover (@JacobConover17) December 2, 2022
“These past 3 years have been some of the greatest times of my life. They have involved moments, memories, and relationships that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful for the love and support I received during my time here from my teammates, staff, and fans,” wrote Conover on a social media post.
He continued, “I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to attend this university and pursue my athletic and academic goals. I believe everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for everyone. With that being said, after much prayer and talking with my family I will be entering the transfer portal and starting a new chapter of my life. I am excited for what the future holds and ready to attack the new challenges ahead.”
Jacob Conover appeared in three games in 2022
Conover appeared in three games this season as BYU’s backup quarterback. He attempted only one pass. That came in the regular season finale against Stanford. It was an incomplete ball.
The other two game appearances were against Arkansas on the final snap of the game and a fourth quarter cameo against Utah Tech.
Leading up to BYU’s game against Notre Dame in Las Vegas on October 8, starter Jaren Hall got the nod despite going a full week without practicing.
Entering the 2021 season, Conover was in a three-man starting quarterback battle with Hall and Baylor Romney for the starting job. During that fall camp, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said he saw signs of a young Zach Wilson in Conover for his aggressive passing style.
Former four-star recruit
Conover was a heralded signing for BYU in the 2018 recruiting class. A native of Chandler, Arizona, Conover was a four-star prospect that turned down the hometown Arizona State Sun Devils and Alabama Crimson Tide.
Conover opting to enter the portal now allows him to find a new school before winter or spring semesters begin at his next destination.
BYU’s future at quarterback is an interesting spot right now. The Cougars were expected to pursue a QB or two in this transfer portal season. But the big question moving forward is whether Jaren Hall returns or not. Hall has one year of eligibility remaining. He’s currently in his fifth year at BYU.
Hall has consistently said that he has not decided on what his future after this year holds. If Hall returns to BYU, it would give the Cougars a star signal-caller and a face of the program in year one in the Big 12 Conference.
Second transfer portal entry from BYU
Conover will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next destination. He’s the second BYU player to have plans of entering the transfer portal during this 2023 cycle. The other is tight end Dallin Holker, who told KSL Sports his plans to enter earlier this season.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s BYU football coverage on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
