Keller Chryst to Oregon State. Is it a possibility?

Another day, and another QB transfer in the CFB world. This time, the most recent quarterback to transfer is former starting QB for the Stanford Cardinal, Keller Chryst.

Now, we here at BTD always have fun toying with the idea of getting a grad transfer such as Chryst, so we decided to flesh out the idea of how and why Chryst would transfer to Corvallis, and what it would mean for the football program.

As reported on ESPN earlier today, Chryst is looking to transfer to a new college for his 5th and final year of eligibility. Due to being a 5th-year graduate transfer, Chryst will be eligible to play immediately, regardless of where he ultimately transfers to.

In 3 years with the Cardinal, Chryst has racked up over 1,900 passing in the Stanford system. Throughout his time there, Chryst has been in multiple QB battles for the starting role ever since Kevin Hogan left the program. Chryst went into this season as the starting quarterback for the Cardinal, but was ultimately replaced down the stretch in the season by KJ Costello, who looks like the next great Cardinal QB. Chryst has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, including a great game against the Oregon Ducks (which is enough to make any of us like him). However, he has never strung together consistent performances to give the Cardinal what they were looking for. As a result, the Cardinal went to Costello, and now Chryst will look elsewhere to play ball.

So how does Oregon State tie in?

The basic idea behind “how Chryst gets to Corvallis” is essentially banking on Chryst’s connection to the Pac-12 as a gateway to Oregon State.

Oregon State features a need for a QB, regardless of Jake Luton’s status. Chryst is looking to start now, and the Beavs are looking for QB competition to find the next guy to lead the program. While he was being recruited, Chryst was targeted heavily by several Pac-12 universities, so staying within this conference makes a ton of sense, as there is a desire for other universities to keep Chryst here.

However, 2 schools immediately jump out as non-Pac-12 possibilities for Chryst. The first is the Tennessee Vols. Based on several reports, Tennessee has been linked to Chryst as a transfer destination. The move would make sense, as Tennesee recruited Chryst out of high school and also features a need for a QB to start now. The second option is the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin also recruited Chryst out of high school, but the more intriguing connection to Wisconsin is the fact that Chryst’s uncle, Paul Chryst, is the current head coach at Wisconsin. Wisconsin could also stand to use a QB upgrade as well, and Chryst may fit that mold.

Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

If the Beavs were able to catch Chryst’s attention, there is a realistic possibility that the Beavs could intrigue Chryst with some of the returning talent in 2018. Barring a Thomas Tyner return, talented back Artavis Pierce will be taking over full-time at running back for the Beavs, a stud WR-in-the-making in Isaiah Hodgins on the outside perimeter fielding passes, and Noah Togiai will also return as the starting TE for the Beavers. Though it may not be quite like handing the ball off to Bryce Love or passing to JJ Arcega-Whiteside, the offensive cupboard at Oregon State is by no means empty.

Getting Chryst to Corvallis would provide a massive boost to the QB position for the Beavs, as him and Luton would duke it out for the starting gig. In addition, being able to recruit a former 4-star and the No. 3 pro-style QB in the 2014 signing class would provide a new perspective to recruits looking to perhaps sign with the Beavs. This move would pay off long-term in recruiting as well as an initial boost in the on-field product.

Though it ultimately seems to be a longshot to get Chryst to Corvallis, it is an idea that is worth delving into for J-Smitty and the gang. The benefits of getting Chryst seem to outweigh any cons. At the very least, we could send Chryst samples of Local Boyz, that seems like a surefire way to get anyone’s attention (just kidding, NCAA).

What say you, Beaver Nation? Would you want Keller Chryst in orange and black? Let us know in the comment section below!