King enters transfer portal despite earlier intention to stay at Houston
Despite previously saying he'd return to Houston in 2020, star quarterback D'Eriq King announced Monday he has entered the transfer portal.
I’ve entered the portal I think it’s best for me and my family!
— King (@DeriqKing_) January 14, 2020
King appeared in four games in 2019 before redshirting for the remainder of the season to preserve his final year of eligibility.
"I came here to play football for the University of Houston and that is not changing," he said in September. "After carefully thinking through this process with my family and coach (Dana) Holgorsen, I have decided the opportunity to redshirt this season gives me the best chance to develop as a player, earn my degree, and set me up for the best success in the future. I'm looking forward to being a part of the success of this program going forward."
King threw for 663 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions this season, adding six scores on the ground for a Cougars squad that went 1-3 to begin the campaign. He was responsible for 50 touchdowns and over 3,600 yards in 2018 while emerging as one of the top signal-callers in the American Athletic Conference.
On the same day King revealed his decision to redshirt and return to Houston, his father told local media that his son would leave the Cougars and transfer for his final campaign of college football.
King's decision to test the portal arguably makes him the top player available on the transfer market. He can still return to the Cougars.