Alabama Quarterback Dylan Lonergan Transfers to Boston College
In a shocking turn of events, Alabama’s highly regarded quarterback Dylan Lonergan has entered the transfer portal and announced his commitment to Boston College. Lonergan, who was a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and one of the most promising dual-sport athletes in the nation, leaves Tuscaloosa after a tumultuous season where he struggled to find playing time in Alabama’s crowded quarterback room.
For Boston College, Lonergan’s commitment represents a seismic shift for a program that has long sought to make its mark in the competitive ACC. For Alabama, his departure raises questions about depth at quarterback and whether the Tide can maintain their dominance amidst increasing player movement.
Dylan Lonergan came to Alabama with immense hype as a two-sport athlete who excelled in both football and baseball. A former high school standout, he was known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. Lonergan threw for 96 touchdowns and over 12,000 career yards during his high school career, showcasing a strong arm, quick decision-making, and mobility in the pocket.
While at Alabama, Lonergan competed for playing time behind a talented depth chart that included Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and a host of other top-tier recruits. Despite his talent, Lonergan struggled to break through, logging minimal snaps in 2024. This limited action, coupled with the increasingly competitive nature of Alabama’s quarterback battles, likely played a role in his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Lonergan’s move to Boston College marks a significant change of scenery for the Georgia native, who now has an opportunity to be the centerpiece of a program on the rise. Under head coach Jeff Hafley, Boston College has prioritized building a competitive roster through player development and smart recruiting.
The Eagles are coming off a challenging 2024 season but have shown flashes of potential. Adding a quarterback of Lonergan’s caliber could provide the stability and star power the program needs to take the next step. With his dual-threat abilities, Lonergan is expected to fit seamlessly into Boston College’s offensive system, which emphasizes mobility and quick decision-making at the quarterback position.
In a statement following his commitment, Lonergan expressed excitement about the opportunity to make an impact at Boston College:
“I’m grateful for my time at Alabama and everything I learned there, but I’m ready to take the next step in my journey. Boston College felt like the perfect fit for me, both on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to work with Coach Hafley and my new teammates.”
Lonergan’s departure leaves Alabama with questions about its quarterback depth. While Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson remain the frontrunners, losing a talent like Lonergan highlights the challenges even powerhouse programs face in retaining top players in the era of the transfer portal.
For Alabama head coach Nick Saban, the focus will now shift to reloading the roster and ensuring that the program continues to develop its young talent. Saban has dealt with high-profile departures before and has consistently managed to maintain Alabama’s position as a national contender. However, Lonergan’s transfer underscores a broader trend in college football, where players are more willing than ever to seek opportunities elsewhere if they feel their potential isn’t being maximized.
For Dylan Lonergan, the move to Boston College represents a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. The ACC provides a unique platform, with matchups against some of the top programs in the country and the chance to prove himself as one of college football’s elite quarterbacks.
Lonergan’s decision also highlights how the transfer portal has transformed the college football landscape, allowing players to find situations that better suit their goals and aspirations.
As Lonergan heads to Boston College, all eyes will be on how the talented quarterback adjusts to his new team and whether he can live up to the immense potential he showed as a recruit. For Boston College fans, his arrival brings hope and excitement for the future.
For Alabama, his departure serves as a reminder of the challenges of managing elite talent in today’s game.
One thing is certain: Dylan Lonergan’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be one worth watching.