Virginia quarterback has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, a move that comes after a challenging season with the Cavaliers. his decision was made public through a social media post on December 1, 2024, and he will officially enter the portal when it opens on December 9.
A sophomore from St. Petersburg, Florida, had a promising start to his college career. He began competing for the starting quarterback position as a true freshman and ultimately started six games during the 2023 season due to injuries suffered by Tony Muskett, the former Monmouth transfer. Over his two seasons at UVA, he started a total of 17 games and displayed significant potential early on, leading the Cavaliers to a 5-6 record in 2024 with eight touchdown passes against four interceptions in the first five games.
However, his performance declined as the season progressed. In the latter half of the season, Colandrea struggled significantly, throwing for under 160 yards in each of his last five games and accumulating seven interceptions against just one touchdown during a critical three-game stretch. This decline in performance led to his benching in favor of Muskett for the final game against Virginia Tech, which ended in a disappointing 37-17 loss
Colandrea’s entry into the transfer portal opens various possibilities for both him and UVA’s football program. With two years of eligibility remaining, he is expected to attract interest from multiple programs looking for a quarterback with starting experience. Potential landing spots include schools like USF and FAU, which have been mentioned as possible destinationsFor UVA, this decision leaves them in search of new talent at the quarterback position. With both Colandrea and Muskett departing—Muskett having exhausted his eligibility—the Cavaliers are left with untested options on their roster: Gavin Frakes, Boone Lourd, Grady Brosterhous, and Alexander Brady. Additionally, they are set to welcome two incoming recruits from the 2025 class: three-star prospects Bjorn Jurgensen and Cole Geer
Colandrea’s decision marks a significant moment for both him and UVA football as they navigate this transition period. The Cavaliers will need to reassess their quarterback strategy moving forward while Colandrea seeks new opportunities that could better align with his aspirations for success on the field. As college football continues to evolve with the transfer portal’s influence, both players and programs must adapt swiftly to remain competitive.
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