Rumors have surfaced that Khalil Tate is likely to leave Arizona following this season. Unless Tate plans on entering the draft, this will likely mean he will transfer. As a graduate transfer, Tate will be able to play right away wherever he lands. The heisman contender could be a huge pickup for a team that uses him correctly. The primary reason he is attempting to transfer is the fact that offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has focused on making him a pocket passer, something he has struggled mightily this season. Lets evaluate his likely landing spots.
Auburn
Jarrett Stidham has appeared to take a step back in his Junior season and is by no means a lock to start all of next season. In comes Tate. He will have the talent around him to potentially be one of the better teams in the nation and even contend in the SEC. If he hopes to go pro, Auburn will provide him the national spotlight.
Florida
Florida has made it very clear they want to move on from Felipe Franks. He has been on fire of late, but if Kyle Trask was healthy he would likely be the starter. Tate would likely win out in a QB room with those 2 and take over a team that went 9-3 last season. Florida would be able to run a more athletic offense with Tate and could even open up the playbook a bit for the Gators. Florida averaged a embarrassing 16.6 PPG in losses last year. Tate could be a huge factor in improving that.
Boise State
Boise State was originally in Tate’s Top 3 schools prior to him committing to Arizona, and there may be a reason for that. Future NFLer Brett Rypien is graduating, and will open up a huge hole for Tate. Boise’s defense is among the best in the nation and will help Tate potentially contend for the Mountain West, if he chooses to leave Power-5 football.
Oklahoma
This would be fun. Lincoln Riley turned Baker Mayfield into the Best Player in the nation, Heisman, and No. 1 pick. He turned Kyler Murray into one of the 2 Heisman contenders. Tate would do very well under his offense. Assuming Murray leaves, which is no guarantee, Tate could step right in and lead a potential CFB Playoff contender.
Illinois
As of right now, Illinois appears to be the top landing spot for Tate. He would be able to start right away with the keys to the offense, and would be joined by former OC Rod Smith who propelled Tate to one of the best statistical seasons in CFB history.
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