The allure of playing in the SEC is as strong as ever. But when you’ve got the opportunity to kickstart a new era alongside some football royalty elsewhere, it goes a long way to balance the scales. Even if this opportunity has spawned in the humble surroundings of the G5.

When NFL legend and former Heisman Trophy recipient Eddie George took charge of Bowling Green, some quality personnel were due to follow suit. One player just did, and he’s likely gearing up to be the Falcons’ new QB1. Drew Pyne, formerly of Notre Dame, ASU, and most recently Missouri, has hit the transfer portal for the 3rd time in as many years to join Bowling Green. He joins forces with a new head coach in George, seeking to elevate a program that’s been stuck in mediocrity for the best part of a decade. Upon being confronted about why he’s making a move that can be perceived as a downgrade from Mizzou, Drew Pyne said, “The opportunity to go play for Eddie George, a returning offensive line that’s strong and experienced and a team that’s very good, played in three straight bowl games and can compete for a championship.”

Drew Pyne has had a tumultuous collegiate career, to say the least. After being recruited by the Irish from the class of ’20, he spent 2 years as a backup in South Bend. 2022 seemed like the year Pyne got his opportunity as Notre Dame’s QB1. He couldn’t win the job in camp. But alas, his compatriot Tyler Buchner suffered a season-ending injury in week 2. Pyne stepped in and made 10 starts that season, throwing for north of 2000 yards and 22 passing touchdowns en route 8 wins. But this perhaps wasn’t enough for first-year HC Marcus Freeman. Pyne would hit the portal for ahead of 2o23 and find himself at Arizona State. But things didn’t pan out as he’d have hoped.

Injuries would once again be a major factor, but this time around, it was Drew Pyne himself on the receiving end. He played merely 2 games for the Sun Devils. Instead of sitting around and letting time pass him by, Pyne moved back to Notre Dame to finish his degree. He’d do so and then transfer to Mizzou ahead of 2024. Hoping to get some momentum behind his stagnant football career. Did he succeed? Not quite. Winning the QB1 shirt from Brady Cook was always a tall task, and Pyne couldn’t get it done. But with 2 years of eligibility still left, he’s not backing down just yet. This latest move to Bowling Green, at least at this current juncture, seems like his best chance to salvage a CFB career.

Scot Loeffler vacating his role as the Falcons’ HC to be the QB coach for the Philadelphia Eagles transpired into a double blow for the program. By extension of this departure, they even lost QB1 Justin Lamson to Montana State. Eddie George, succeeding Loeffler, presents as a home-run hire.

Now sure, Drew Pyne hasn’t had the best of times or track record. But he’s still oozing quality relative to his contemporaries at the MAC level. Bowling Green could’ve drifted further into the abyss this off-season. But they’ve counteracted their losses with some shrewd moves of their own. For a quarterback, the intangibles matter just as much as the attributes and skillset. Pyne not settling after so much adversity bodes well for George and co. The player put into perspective his mentality approaching this latest move, and it bodes well for Bowling Green.

Drew Pyne’s take on what he’s learnt from adversity will give Eddie George confidence

Most student-athletes will call it a day on their career if their journey is akin to Drew Pyne’s. Injuries and circumstances hindering an ESPN top 300-caliber talent, in tandem with a degree from a storied academic school like Notre Dame. Outside of that ’22 season, he’s thrown for shy of 900 yards in 5 years. Maybe that’s why he wants to continue- the sheer volume of playtime and production, or lack thereof. Pyne’s statements about the experience and learning that led to the decision to trade Mezzo for Bowling Green were resounding.

“[I’ve leaned] to persevere and never give up. I’ve never been scared of competition. I have always wanted to play [football] and lead guys. What I’ve learned is that I love being able to get a group of guys and lead them,” he said. Clearly, this isn’t someone going through the motions. He wants to thrust himself into the deep end, where there’s a chance he can show he’s capable of swimming.

The current make-up of Eddie George’s QB room makes Drew Pyne the favorite to line up under center in week 1. It remains to be seen if he’s finally gotten to have things go his way. Eddie George’s own arrival at the program was a stroke of miraculous fortune. Pyne shall hope some of that rubs off on his flailing yet retrievable career.