BOWLING GREEN — A month away from the start of football practice, the quarterback situation at Bowling Green remains murky.
Two-year starter Jarret Doege transferred to West Virginia after the conclusion of spring football, and BGSU did not sign a high school quarterback in the class of 2019, leaving Bowling Green with two eligible scholarship quarterbacks in Grant Loy and Bryce Veasley.
The Falcons added Boston College transfer Matt McDonald, who has three years remaining, but whose status for the upcoming season is unknown.
Bowling Green confirmed McDonald has joined the team, but a spokesman said the program could not comment further on McDonald’s status or any waiver request with the NCAA.
Attorney Tom Mars, who is aiding McDonald’s case, said he was unable to comment on the situation. Mars represented Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields and Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson, among others, in their recent successful waiver claims.
The NCAA granted immediate eligibility to two high-profile quarterbacks who arrived at new schools this offseason, including Fields. The former five-star recruit left Georgia, chose Ohio State, and earned immediate eligibility in February. He is projected to be the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback.
After Fields committed to Ohio State, Tate Martell departed Columbus and landed at Miami (Fla.), where he also is eligible to play this fall.
However, the NCAA has tweaked its rules for transfer waivers.
Last week, the NCAA changed four of its 13 guidelines, altering language to “clarify the requirements.” The changes represent more restrictive rules for athletes who seek immediate eligibility at a new school.
What the changes will mean for McDonald and the Falcons is unknown.
Bowling Green is preparing for its first season under new coach Scot Loeffler, who previously recruited and coached McDonald as the offensive coordinator at Boston College.
McDonald redshirted the 2017 season and played sparingly in 2018, appearing in two games, completing 7-of-8 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
If the NCAA rules McDonald eligible this season, the former three-star recruit likely will compete for the starting position this summer.
The most veteran option on the roster is Loy, who was Doege’s backup last season but still played regularly in specialized offensive packages. The redshirt junior from Buckeye Central High School has appeared in 17 games the past two seasons and started once.
Last season, BG used Loy as a change-of-pace quarterback to jolt its running game. Loy ran for 160 yards on 29 carries and also completed 7-of-12 passes for 180 yards.
Veasley redshirted his first season on campus in 2018 and has not yet appeared in a game.
The Falcons begin training camp next month ahead of their Aug. 29 season opener against Morgan State at Doyt Perry Stadium.
First Published July 5, 2019, 9:04 p.m.
