News Summary
Gaston Moore, former quarterback for the University of Tennessee, is transferring to the University of South Florida to play his final year. After being a backup for four seasons, he is expected to thrive under former offensive coordinator Alex Golesh. Moore’s move heightens the quarterback competition at USF while triggering a battle for the starting role at Tennessee. The college football landscape continues to shift with more players entering the transfer portal, looking for better opportunities.
Tampa, Florida — Gaston Moore, a former University of Tennessee quarterback, is transferring to the University of South Florida (USF) to play for the Bulls in his final year of eligibility. Moore’s move comes after four seasons in which he served as the backup quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. Last season, he participated in six games, achieving a completion percentage of 59.3%. His decision to join USF creates an exciting quarterback market at both USF and Tennessee.
After entering the transfer portal in December 2024, Moore is set to reunite with former Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, who now serves as the head coach at USF. This transition is expected to impact the Bulls significantly, as Moore brings experience and familiarity with Golesh’s offensive strategies. His arrival also heightens the competition for the starting quarterback position, as USF attempts to rebuild and improve following recent seasons.
Moore’s departure opens the door for a tense quarterback battle at Tennessee. One of the key candidates for the starting role is redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, a Savannah native. Merklinger, looking to claim the starting position, will compete against others eyeing the role, adding complexity to the Volunteers’ offensive lineup. In addition, Luke Kromenhoek, a highly-regarded four-star quarterback who previously attended Florida State and started two games last season, has also begun exploring transfer options after completing just over 52% of his passes in limited action.
The ongoing changes are not limited to Tennessee alone. Several local Savannah high school alumni are making waves in the transfer market, illustrating the evolving landscape of college football. Recent transfers include a standout running back from UT San Antonio to the University of Massachusetts, alongside a former Phoenix receiver who is transferring from Western Kentucky to Charlotte. These shifts highlight the increasing movement of athletes seeking new opportunities.
The dynamics of college football are increasingly influenced by the NCAA College Football Transfer Portal, with athletes seeking advantageous positions and better circumstances to enhance their playing careers. Moore’s transfer adds to this trend, as many players explore their options and seek to secure better placements within college football programs.
The next opportunity for players to commit to new programs is nearing, with the commitment window opening in April 2025. This upcoming period will likely alter team rosters further, as players assess their current situations and the upcoming season’s prospects.
The recent flurry of activity in college football exemplifies the intensity of competition and the strategic decisions athletes must make regarding their futures. With Moore’s move to USF and the evolving scenarios at Tennessee and other schools, the landscape is poised for continued transformation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Former Hilton Head Island Quarterback Transferring to USF
- Savannah Now: Savannah Area Football Players Finding New Teams
- Sports Illustrated: Luke Kromenhoek Enters Transfer Portal
- WJCL: Kromenhoek Entering Transfer Portal After One Season at FSU
- Savannah Tribune: Savannah State Football Players Enter Transfer Portal
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
