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Former 5-star quarterback Malachi Nelson has found a new home after entering the transfer portal earlier this year. The passer decided to leave Boise State prior to the team’s College Football Playoff matchup against Penn State.
He’s since committed to UTEP, where he’ll have three years of eligibility remaining. This will be his third stop in as many years at the NCAA level.
Nelson initially signed with USC as a highly touted signal caller in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He sat behind Caleb Williams as a freshman with hopes of grabbing the starting role in Year 2.
That didn’t come to fruition as the Trojans pursued other options under center. He then left Los Angeles to join the Broncos.
Many tabbed him to be the starter in Boise following that transfer, but he was ultimately beaten out in the QB competition by Maddux Madsen. With Madsen at the helm, the squad won 12 games to join the 12-team CFP field.
Madsen still has eligibility remaining, likely leaving Nelson to his QB2 role had he stayed put. Seeking playing time, he again hit the portal in mid-December. He’ll now hope to land a starting role in El Paso.
Throughout two college seasons, Malachi Nelson has played in four games. With USC, he completed 1-of-3 attempts in his lone appearance. At Boise State, he went 12-for-17 with 128 yards and an interception.
He’ll now become one of the most highly rated signees in UTEP history, though much has changed since being awarded that five-star status as a high schooler. Nelson will look to reignite his career in the Lone Star State after bouncing from school to school. He’ll have an opportunity to showcase his talents in Week 3 when the Miners visit the Texas Longhorns.