Joe Labas: Navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal and Thriving at Central Michigan

The NCAA transfer portal has become a significant factor in college football, reshaping rosters and providing opportunities for players to find the best fit for their skills and aspirations. Joe Labas's journey exemplifies this trend, showcasing the potential for quarterbacks to find success after transferring. Labas, who started his career at Iowa, has found a new home and a chance to shine at Central Michigan University.

From Iowa to Central Michigan: A Quarterback's Journey

When it comes to quarterbacks, the transfer portal giveth and the transfer portal taketh away. The Iowa football team gained two quarterbacks from the portal and lost two quarterbacks to the portal. The turnover, along with Spencer Petras' shoulder injury, meant Iowa's quarterback room would look significantly different. Alex Padilla and Carson May were Iowa's two departures via the transfer portal at quarterback. Padilla appeared in 13 games in an Iowa uniform since 2020 and completed 49 percent of his passes while throwing three touchdowns and four interceptions. May, a true freshman, did not see any game action in his lone season in Iowa City. Joe Labas was expected to return for his sophomore year after making his collegiate debut in the 2022 Music City Bowl.

After the retirement of Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain, Labas is back in the portal.

Impactful Performances at Central Michigan

Labas has made a significant impact on the Central Michigan Chippewas since joining the team. His performances have been instrumental in the team's success, demonstrating his talent and potential as a quarterback.

Early Success and High-Scoring Games

Joey Labas threw for three touchdowns and 342 yards and completed 75% of his passes and Central Michigan beat Central Connecticut 66-10 on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams. Labas finished 18-for-24 passing overall and did most of his damage before halftime, completing 16 of 20 for 268 yards and two touchdowns and sending the Chippewas to a 42-7 halftime advantage.

Key Victories and Bowl Eligibility

Joe Labas threw two touchdown passes, Central Michigan scored two defensive touchdowns, and the Chippewas became bowl eligible for the first time in four years, defeating Buffalo 38-19 on Wednesday night. Jordan Kwiatkowski, a senior linebacker, returned an interception 48 yards for the Chippewas' first touchdown. Dakota Cochran, also a senior linebacker, returned a fumble 85 yards for a score that made it 31-13 in the fourth quarter. Labas completed 18 of 24 passes for 247 yards. His touchdowns were 75 yards to Langston Lewis and 10 yards to Tommy McIntosh.

Notable Stats and Performances

Labas has consistently put up impressive numbers for the Chippewas. Joe Labas threw a career-high three touchdown passes in the first half, Dakota Cochran returned a pick-6 and recovered a fumble and Central Michigan beat FCS-opponent Wagner 49-10 on Saturday. Labas finished the game 12 of 14 for the Chippewas (2-2) with 241 yards and three touchdowns. Labas connected for TDs with Nahree Biggins for 88 yards, Tommy McIntosh for 33 yards and Tyson Davis for 33 yards.

Game-Winning Performances

Joe Labas threw two touchdown passes, Brock Townsend ran for two scores, and Central Michigan beat Kent State 28-16 on Wednesday night. Labas threw a short-yardage touchdown pass on fourth down to Tommy McIntosh to end an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ate up nearly 11 minutes of the first quarter. Labas added a 19-yard touchdown pass to DeCorion Temple. Labas completed 11 of 20 passes for 121 yards.

Joe Labas threw two touchdown passes, Brock Townsend had a 51-yard TD reception and ran for two scores, and Central Michigan beat Massachusetts 38-13 on Saturday to extend the Minutemen's losing streak to 12 games. An interception by Kalen Carroll gave Central Michigan the ball at its own 42 and Labas threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Nasir Williams that gave the Chippewas a 28-point lead with 7:50 to go in the third quarter.

The Transfer Portal Landscape

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, allowing players to seek new opportunities and programs to fill roster gaps. This has led to significant player movement and reshaped team dynamics across the NCAA.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Impact on Quarterback Positions

The transfer portal can significantly impact quarterback positions, as teams both gain and lose players. The Iowa football team gained two quarterbacks from the portal and lost two quarterbacks to the portal. The turnover, along with Spencer Petras' shoulder injury, meant Iowa's quarterback room would look significantly different.

Trends in Player Movement

Of the 11 FBS quarterbacks who started against the Aztecs in 2024, three exhausted their eligibility, three remain with their teams, and five entered the portal. Even before Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson and Danny O’Neil’s defections, SDSU had planned to bring in a transfer. SDSU is not alone.

The Allure of New Opportunities

The transfer portal provides players with the opportunity to find a better fit for their skills and aspirations. John Mateer would be a dream fit for nearly every program in America. Reports suggest Mateer informed Washington State of his intention to leave after the Cougars made their best pitch to keep him over the weekend. The Aztecs are not linked to Mateer, but his choice impacts them.

Coaching Changes and Portal Activity

Coaching changes often lead to increased activity in the transfer portal as players re-evaluate their options. With the retirement of Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain, Labas is back in the portal.

Akron Zips: A Case Study in Transfer Portal Activity

The University of Akron football program's experience with the transfer portal illustrates the significant roster changes that many teams now endure annually. On the heels of University of Akron football's best season in nearly a decade, the Zips have returned to portal life.

Influx of New Talent

Akron has been active in signing new players through the transfer portal, bolstering their roster with talent from various schools. The Zips signed defensive end Jasun Ridley, defensive back Rod Smith Jr, offensive lineman Daxton Christman-Gourley and defensive tackle Malakai Ross-Graves. Akron also signed cornerbacks Zach Hobson and Shamar McNeil, tight end Wyatt Hook, quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, linebacker Dwight Nunoo, offensive lineman Nate Hampton, offensive lineman Carlos Slayden, kicker and punter Aidan Stire, cornerback Dawayne Galloway Jr., wide receiver Miles Burris, cornerback Caiden Newsome, defensive tackle Vaughn Highland, defensive end Kurtis Waye, and offensive lineman Brandon Smith. Akron also signed wide receivers Gentz Hilburn and Titus Myers.

Key Departures

However, Akron has also seen several players leave through the portal, creating a need to replenish their roster. Former Akron tight end Jake Newell committed to Toledo through the transfer portal. Akron wide receiver Tim Grear Jr. announced he has entered the portal. Former Akron linebacker Markus Boswell entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas. Akron offensive lineman Kenneth McManus IV committed to Auburn. Former Akron cornerback Ben Kamara announced he has committed to North Dakota. Former Akron linebacker Melvin Spriggs committed to Southern Miss through the portal. Akron offensive lineman Delvin Morris entered the portal and committed to Kansas State. Akron defensive tackle Dimitri Madden announced he is in the portal. Akron wide receiver and tight end Khalil Witherspoon announced he is in the portal. Akron wide receiver Myles Walker announced he is in the portal. Former Akron defensive tackle Kiawan Murphy committed to Western Kentucky. Akron defensive end Kam Cheatom announced he is in the portal. Akron kicker Owen Wiley announced his plan to enter the portal.

Quarterbacks in Transition: Other Examples

Several other quarterbacks have also navigated the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities to showcase their talents.

Deuce Hogan

Deuce Hogan, like May, has experienced a few changes of scenery since leaving Iowa City. Hogan first transferred to Kentucky as a walk-on and spent the 2022 and ’23 seasons there. Fast-forward to 2024, and Hogan is at New Mexico State. The bulk of his opportunities came in New Mexico State’s Week 3 loss at Fresno State.

Deacon Hill

Deacon Hill - Iowa’s starter for the last nine games of the 2023 season - has not experienced much success yet at the FCS level. Hill started Utah Tech’s first three games. He first went to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas for 2023 spring practices before returning to the FBS level and landing at Wyoming that summer.

Carson May

May, a redshirt sophomore this year, has not seen action in Abilene Christian’s first four games.

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