Star Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd surprisingly announced on Monday that he will transfer from the school, making him one of the best players available that every program in the country will try to re-recruit. Hurd strongly considered transferring after last season - despite rushing for nearly 1,300 yards - because of his lack of fit in Tennessee's spread offense. He stayed when head coach Butch Jones promised to run more traditional I-formation plays this season, but Hurd has not run a single play from that formation this year.
Hurd is also looking to switch positions. According to his uncle, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder wants to play either wide receiver or tight end to help him pursue a longer NFL career. He was recruited as an athlete out of high school as he played both running back and wide receiver, and has been one of the best receiving backs in the country over the last few years. Even though he is a true junior and is eligible for the NFL Draft, he wants to prove he can play another position in another offense before going pro.
So, with Hurd looking to switch positions and play in a pro-style offense, which schools could he transfer to? Here are the five most likely options:
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is the most successful team running a pro-style offense right now, and head coach Jim Harbaugh would love to have player with Hurd's pedigree and skill set. Much like they're doing with Jabrill Peppers now, Michigan would likely use Hurd all over the field - at tight end, wide receiver and a running back. Harbaugh also has extensive NFL experience and a history of putting quality tight ends in the league, including current senior Jake Butt (a projected first-round pick).
Stanford Cardinal
Hurd is probably best suited as a tight end at the NFL level given his excellent size and lack of top-end speed, and no school is better at producing NFL talent at the tight end position than Stanford. Head coach David Shaw will be able to get Hurd up to speed quickly, and with the abundance of tight ends the Cardinal put on the field, he'll get plenty of reps and chances to prove himself to scouts.
USC Trojans
Of all the schools on this list, USC actually has the strongest connection to Hurd. His father is a trainer in Los Angeles, and given USC's shift to a pro-style system under Clay Helton, they play the style of football that appeals to him. Plus, USC's track record of producing NFL players speaks for itself. He'd get the chance to play in front of an abundance of scouts every week.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Hurd did get an offer from Nebraska out of high school, and even though head coach Mike Riley wasn't with the program then, it shows that Hurd is familiar with what the Huskers have to offer. Their pro-style system is what puts them in the running, and their roster turnover going into the 2018 season - with what looks like a talented recruiting class coming in next fall - means this program will have plenty of talent and immediate opportunities for playing time.
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma might be the school that could make the most of Hurd's versatility. Though they aren't a true pro-style system, they use the tight end regularly, both lined up along the offensive line and split out at receiver. That kind of hybrid usage may be appealing to a player who wants to try his hand at both positions, and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley has creative ways of getting the ball of his playmakers.