Luke McAllister enters transfer portal after one semester on campus

FORT COLLINS, CO. — ‘He gone’.

Luke McAllister was one of the most highly anticipated recruits to sign with Colorado State in the last decade. 

Originally committed to the program under Mike Bobo, McAllister became a fan favorite as he very publicly pledged his allegiance to the Rams through the transition to Steve Addazio. The former Palmer Ridge High School star even worked to help persuade other recruits to sign with the Rams by facilitating a group chat for the prospective players to communicate through and get to know each other better. 

Unfortunately, though, it seems that the Green & Gold just was not the right fit for McAllister as he has entered the transfer portal after a single semester on campus. He is the second 2021 signing to do so. Earlier this year three-star defensive back Lathan Adams of DeSoto, TX. entered the transfer portal after enrolling early as well. 

2021 3-star QB Luke McAllister has entered the transfer portal before ever playing at Colorado State @rivalsmike https://t.co/OvAQ23Dk3l

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) June 17, 2021

While Ram fans will certainly be disappointed by the news, it’s not entirely shocking given how much change has occurred within the program since McAllister started being recruited by CSU. Bobo is obviously no longer in the picture, but even last year’s offensive coordinator Joey Lynch has since moved on to Vanderbilt. Factoring in the staff changes and a shift to a ground and pound style under Addazio, it’s just not that shocking that things didn’t go as smoothly as Ram Nation was hoping for. 

It will be interesting to see where McAllister decides to transfer to. After committing to CSU so early, McAllister did not post about any other offers. His 247Sports recruiting profile also shows just a single offer from CSU. With all four years of eligibility remaining he should have a variety of options though. He could very well end up at another Division 1 program, or potentially even transfer to a JuCo and put more film on the table for coaches across the country. Regardless of where he decides to go, assuming he does in fact transfer out, Ram fans will certainly keep a close eye on his career. 

Looking at things through CSU’s lens, it’s obviously difficult to lose a young quarterback, especially one that is as popular with the fans as McAllister has been. Playing devil’s advocate, though, the expectations were always going to be difficult for him to live up to. So, it really could end up working out better for both sides in the long run. 

While depth is a question mark for CSU at the quarterback position, the Rams do have a couple of guys with experience in Todd Centeio and Matt Valecce — both of which have transferred in since Addazio took over in 2019. Jonah O’Brien, a Eastern Illinois transfer, could play his way into the mix as well. Plus, the Rams signed Chance Harris (New Mexico) and Evan Olaes (Nevada) in addition to McCallister in 2021; and that’s not even factoring in CSU’s most recent 2022 commit, Jake McNamara, a 3-star prospect out of Tennessee.