Former Kansas QB McComb Wins Starting Job at Miami (OH)
David McComb, who transferred from Kansas to Miami (OH), has been named the RedHawks' starting quarterback. He beat out returning sophomore Thomas Gotkowski. McComb, a redshirt freshman, will make his collegiate debut against Pittsburgh.
McComb arrived at Miami (OH) after entering the transfer portal in December and committing to the RedHawks within a month. His path to the starting role came quickly, as he edged out Gotkowski despite having no prior game experience at the collegiate level. The Oklahoma native was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school, and his physical tools — including a 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame — helped him make an immediate impression in Oxford.
The timing is notable, as Kansas continues to weigh its own options between Ballard and Marshall. McComb's success in winning a starting job elsewhere may raise questions about what the Jayhawks left behind, though his move to the MAC provides a lower-pressure environment to develop before potentially returning to a Power 4 program after the 2026 season.
This story could resonate with college football fans and recruits who follow the transfer portal's growing influence on roster decisions. McComb's quick rise to a starting job may signal that talented backups at larger programs can find meaningful playing time by moving to smaller conferences, potentially shaping how young players evaluate their options. It could also put added scrutiny on Kansas's quarterback decision, as fans may wonder whether the coaching staff let a promising prospect slip away.