SMU quarterback Preston Stone has made waves by announcing his transfer to Northwestern for the 2025 season, according to sources at ESPN. This development comes as an exciting shift in college football, with Stone bringing a proven track record and high potential to a Northwestern team eager to improve its passing offense.
Northwestern has faced significant struggles in its passing game, ranking 110th nationally and managing only seven passing touchdowns during a 4-8 season. Jack Lausch, who started the team’s final 10 games, is set to return in 2025 alongside Mike Wright, but the Wildcats are looking for a solidified leader under center. Stone’s arrival could be the answer they’ve been searching for, injecting new energy and experience into their offense.
At 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Stone brings an impressive resume. As SMU’s starter in 2022, he passed for 3,197 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns with just six interceptions, leading the team to the AAC championship game. His performance showcased his skill and poise, even under pressure. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a broken leg suffered in the regular-season finale against Navy. Despite his injury, SMU’s offense remained competitive, with Kevin Jennings stepping in to guide the team to the league title.
This past season, Stone opened as SMU’s starter but was replaced by Jennings after three games. Jennings went on to deliver a strong performance with 3,050 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while also adding 529 rushing yards and six scores. Despite Jennings’ success, Stone’s capabilities as a quarterback remain undeniable. His decision to transfer signals a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his mettle at Northwestern.
One intriguing aspect of this transition is Stone’s commitment to SMU even after entering the transfer portal earlier this month. He pledged to remain with the Mustangs through their College Football Playoff run, demonstrating his loyalty to the team. True to his word, Stone was present on the sidelines during SMU’s 38-10 loss to No. 6 Penn State on Saturday, though he didn’t see any playing time. Starter Kevin Jennings struggled, throwing three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by Penn State.
The move to Northwestern is strategic for both Stone and the Wildcats. Northwestern’s offense struggled to find consistency, and Stone’s arrival could be the spark that ignites a turnaround. Stone visited Northwestern last week, further cementing his interest in joining the program. With one year of eligibility left, he’ll have a chance to leave a lasting impact in his final college season.
Stone’s transfer aligns with a growing trend in college football, where players leverage the transfer portal to find the best fit for their talents and aspirations. For Northwestern, the acquisition of a quarterback with Stone’s experience and skillset could significantly bolster their offensive strategy. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Stone integrates into the team and whether he can elevate their performance on the field.
Looking back at Stone’s journey, his tenure at SMU was marked by resilience and promise. He consistently displayed his ability to make plays under pressure, lead his team to critical wins, and put up impressive numbers. Even after his injury, his presence and leadership were felt. Now, as he transitions to Northwestern, the potential for him to shine in a new environment is immense.
For Wildcats supporters, this transfer is more than just a roster change; it’s a statement of intent. Northwestern is signaling that it’s ready to compete at a higher level and address its offensive shortcomings head-on. With Stone under center, the team has a legitimate chance to revitalize its passing game and climb the national rankings.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the storyline of Preston Stone’s transfer to Northwestern is shaping up to be one of the most compelling narratives in college football. Will Stone recapture the form that made him a standout at SMU? Can he help Northwestern overcome its offensive struggles and lead them to success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Evanston as Stone embarks on this new chapter in his career.
Key takeaways from Preston Stone’s transfer:
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Proven Talent: Stone’s 2022 season stats (3,197 passing yards, 28 touchdowns) highlight his ability to deliver big plays and lead a team.
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Fresh Start: After being replaced at SMU, Stone’s move to Northwestern gives him a chance to shine as a starter again.
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Strategic Fit: Northwestern’s struggling offense could benefit immensely from Stone’s experience and leadership.
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Commitment and Loyalty: Despite entering the transfer portal, Stone stayed with SMU through their College Football Playoff journey, showing his dedication.
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One Year to Impress: With only one year of eligibility left, Stone’s time at Northwestern will be pivotal for both his career and the Wildcats’ future.
Preston Stone’s journey is a testament to the evolving dynamics of college football, where talent and opportunity intersect to create thrilling possibilities. For Northwestern, his arrival marks a step toward a brighter future, and fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
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