The Rising Star from Harvard: Jaden Craig’s Journey to the Transfer Portal
As the NCAA Transfer Portal prepares to officially open on January 2 for its two-week window, the college football world is already buzzing with players announcing their intentions to seek new opportunities. Among these prospects, Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig is emerging as an intriguing talent who deserves more attention. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Craig has caught the eye of several Power Four programs, with the Illinois Fighting Illini showing particular interest as they search for a replacement for Luke Altmyer. “Maybe not the biggest quarterback name in the transfer portal, he’s expected to garner significant Power Four interest,” Nakos reported, highlighting Illinois as “one early school to know in this one.”
Craig’s journey at Harvard has been one of consistent growth and development over the past three seasons. After working his way into the program, he established himself as the full-time starter for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, demonstrating remarkable accuracy by completing over 60 percent of his passes each year. What makes his story particularly compelling is how he’s thrived in the academically rigorous environment of the Ivy League while simultaneously elevating his game on the field. His progression mirrors that of many Ivy League quarterbacks who have successfully transitioned to larger programs, bringing both intelligence and developed skills to their new teams.
The statistics speak volumes about Craig’s capabilities as a quarterback. In his most recent season, he amassed an impressive 2,869 passing yards while throwing for 28 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. When looking at his performance over the past two seasons as a starter, Craig has been responsible for 42 total touchdowns—including four rushing touchdowns that showcase his mobility—while throwing only 10 interceptions during that entire span. These numbers reflect not just his arm talent but also his decision-making abilities and football IQ, attributes that translate well to higher levels of competition.
What makes Craig’s potential transfer particularly interesting is the growing trend of successful transitions from FCS and Ivy League programs to Power Five conferences. In recent years, we’ve seen quarterbacks from smaller programs step into major conference roles and thrive, bringing a unique combination of maturity, experience, and hunger that often serves them well. For a program like Illinois, which is looking to build on its recent momentum, Craig represents the kind of under-the-radar talent that could provide immediate impact without the fanfare—and competition—surrounding more high-profile transfer quarterbacks. His experience as a starter and his proven ability to protect the football would be valuable assets in the Big Ten’s challenging environment.
The timing of Craig’s entry into the portal conversation coincides with significant movement across college football. As programs prepare for bowl games and the College Football Playoff, coaching staffs are simultaneously evaluating their roster needs for next season. This creates an interesting dynamic where players like Craig can benefit from increased attention if they fit specific program needs. For Illinois specifically, finding an experienced signal-caller who can step in and lead the offense effectively is a priority, making Craig’s emergence in transfer discussions particularly relevant. The Fighting Illini’s interest suggests they see in Craig qualities that could translate well to their system and the level of competition they face.
As the official transfer portal window approaches, Craig’s recruitment will be worth watching as a case study in how talent from non-traditional power programs is evaluated in today’s college football landscape. While he may not generate headlines like some five-star transfers or players from major conferences, his production, experience, and apparent interest from Power Four programs suggest he could be one of the more impactful transfers of this cycle. For Craig personally, this represents an opportunity to test his skills at the highest levels of college football after proving himself in the Ivy League. Whether he lands at Illinois or another major program, his journey from Harvard to potentially leading a Power Four offense embodies the evolving nature of college football transfers and the increasing recognition that talent can be found at all levels of the game.
