Could Malik Cunningham enter the transfer portal?

NIL and the opportunity for players to make money off the field has changed the game in college sports across the United States. The NCAA now has changed the rules in recent years that allows any player to transfer one-time free of any penalty.

Oklahoma starting quarterback Caleb Williams made a historic announcement this week that he would be entering his name into the transfer portal after finishing a Heisman campaign during his meteoric rise as a freshmen. It came after former starter Spencer Rattler found himself without a job and chose to transfer to South Carolina. Head Coach Lincoln Riley grabbed his Oakley shades and sun tan lotion and headed West to USC.

Could Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham also follow Williams into the portal?

The answer to this question seems highly unlikely, but you can never say never in today’s “Wild West” style environment coupled with the frequent matriculation of players from one school to another. Per NCAA rules, players have until July 1st to decide if they want to select a change of campus scenery. Cunningham has already announced his desire to return to Louisville for his sixth season, however wouldn’t it be wrong not speculate on the dual-threat qb’s options to play elsewhere?

Mario Cristobal just took over for the Miami Hurricanes by way of Oregon. Tyler Van Dyke was the starter to finish the season for the Canes’, but he is more of a pocket passer. Cristobal discovered huge success at Oregon using quarterbacks like Tyler Shough and Anthony Brown, both who are exceptional with their legs. Maybe Malik will head to Coral Gables.

Ole Miss is another potential landing spot for Malik Cunningham. Heisman hopeful and NFL-bound Matt Corral is headed for the NFL draft, and could likely be the first quarterback taken off of the board. Head coach Lane Kiffin paired with Malik Cunningham at the helm could surely give ol’ Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide some fits in The Grove next season when the Tide pays them a visit to Oxford, Mississippi.

Lastly, USC is also on the board as a potential suitor for Cunningham if he was seeking an opportunity to have some fun in the sun while playing for Lincoln Riley. Countless football aficionados have dubbed Riley to be one of the premier quarterback whisperers in the landscape that is college football. The man has coached two Heisman Trophy winners!

Listen, I do not believe Malik Cunningham will actually transfer considering the foundation he has built for himself as the starting quarterback for Louisville football. Yet, we do not truly know what a player will do when name, image, and likeness opportunities begin to play a deciding factor.