Justin Fields is reportedly transferring from Georgia and considering Ohio State, which would be a nightmare for Michigan football.
Over the years, Ohio State has dominated its rivalry with Michigan football. Going back to when Jim Tressel arrived in 2001, it really hasn’t been close.
A big reason for that has been the superior play of the quarterbacks in Columbus. Just think of the names: Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins. Those guys have dominated the rivalry and now Ohio State might be adding another dynamic quarterback to the mix and his name is Justin Fields.
Of course, if you are a fan of college football, you know the name Justin Fields. He was the No. 2 player in the country when it comes to the 2018 recruiting class and he was/is a member of the Georgia Bulldogs — for now.
However, after not being able to beat out Jake Fromm, who is only a sophomore, it was reported Monday that Fields intends to transfer and that Ohio State is one of the schools he will consider.
ESPN report: QB Justin Fields might consider Florida State, Ohio State and Oklahoma if he transfers, but he could still decide to stay with Georgia https://t.co/l8ljWZcnV3
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 18, 2018
Obviously, this isn’t great news for Michigan football. However, there are a lot of factors at play. If Fields does leave, he wants to go somewhere he can play right away and depending what happens with Haskins and the NFL draft, that might not be Ohio State, at least not next season.
Oklahoma, who is losing Kyler Murray seems like an ideal fit and if Fields went to Florida State, which doesn’t seem likely at this point, he would surely be the guy there. But that is also assuming he is able to play right away next season. There are rumors swirling that Fields hired Shea Patterson‘s former lawyer but getting granted immediate eligibility is far from easy.
Just checked in w lawyer Tom Mars regarding @DanWolken breaking story on UGA transfer QB Justin Fields (UM fans know Mars from his representation of Shea Patterson —secured his immediately eligibility from the NCAA) asking if he’s assisting Fields/family. He declined comment.
— angelique (@chengelis) December 18, 2018
Whatever happens with Fields, the big thing for Michigan football is that he doesn’t land at Ohio State. Certainly, the Buckeyes aren’t going to be short on talent at the quarterback position anytime soon but there is no one waiting in the things comparable to Fields.
While he didn’t play much for the Bulldogs this season, he did complete 27-of-39 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 266 yards and four touchdowns too, averaging more than six yards per attempt.
The bottom line is that in terms of college transfers, Fields will be as sought after as Patterson was last season and if Ohio State somehow lands him, his addition would be just as significant.
It would also be a nightmare scenario for Michigan, which would have another elite Buckeye quarterback to deal with.