Ranking Penn State Football’s best QB Options in the Transfer Portal

Hendon Hooker – Virginia Tech

Quarterback Hendon Hooker will be available via a grad-transfer from the Hokies program, and is the definitive best and most accomplished option left in the transfer portal.

Hooker has started 14 games over the past two seasons in Blacksburg, throwing for 2,894 yards and 22 touchdowns while also rushing for 976 yards and 14 scores in that span.

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, a true dual-threat at quarterback, Hooker can beat you with his arm and legs, almost doubling his rushing total in 2020 from 2019, proving he can beat teams in more ways then one. The Greensboro, North Carolina native is a former four star recruit, ranked as the 11th best dual threat quarterback in the 2017 class.

The junior’s coming out party came in Week 3 of 2019, with a three touchdown performance against the Miami Hurricanes in a thrilling 42-35 victory. Hooker is 8-6 as a starter but was 6-2 in 2019 for solid Hokies team that saw a significant drop off in talent in 2020.

Hooker did not have an offer from Penn State football coming out of high school, so time will tell if Franklin and staff have been able to build any connections to the former Hokie, however Hooker potentially presents a legitimate upgrade at the quarterback position for 2021. As a grand transfer he will only have one year left of eligibility, not hindering any long term plans for redshirt freshman Ta’Quan Roberson or incoming freshman Christian Veilleux.