Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin

The 2023 Sun Belt Player of the Year is staying in the conference.

Jordan McCloud, who shined as JMU’s starting quarterback in 2023, is heading to Texas State. The Bobcats announced the transfer news Tuesday. McCloud’s final collegiate season will come at his fourth different school, as he previously played at USF, Arizona, and JMU.

Texas State went 8-5 in 2023, G.J. Kinne’s first season leading the program. Kinne runs a high-powered offensive attack that should suit McCloud’s game well. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he entered 2024 as a preseason favorite to win Sun Belt Player of the Year again.

McCloud threw for 3,657 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. He only tossed 10 interceptions, and he also added eight rushing touchdowns. The quarterback didn’t start JMU’s season opener, but he quickly took over the starting gig and led the Dukes on a historic campaign.

JMU defeated UVA, finished first in the Sun Belt East, hosted College GameDay, and made the first bowl game in program history with McCloud at quarterback. He entered the transfer portal after Curt Cignetti left for Indiana.

The Dukes won’t play McCloud and Texas State in the 2024 regular season (McCloud’s final year of eligibility), but it’s possible the teams could meet in the Sun Belt Championship.

Dylan Morris, a Washington transfer, is expected to be JMU’s starting quarterback in 2024.