Four-year starter Baylor QB Charlie Brewer enters transfer portal

Jerome Miron/Big 12 Athletics

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Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer will enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer and play his final year of eligibility elsewhere. 

Brewer announced the decision on his personal Twitter account less than 24 hours after his final game as a Bear. The senior suffered an injury in the fourth quarter of a 42-3 loss to No. 22 Oklahoma State. 

"It is with much thought and prayer that I am announcing I will be entering the transfer portal and moving on as a graduate transfer," Brewer wrote in a statement on Twitter. "A heartfelt thank you to my teammates, Coach Rhule and Coach Aranda for an amazing ride the past four years here at Baylor." 

In many ways, the Lake Travis product was the face of Baylor’s return to relevance under former coach Matt Rhule. Brewer entered the lineup as a true freshman and nearly led a massive comeback against West Virginia in his first appearance. He went on to take the Bears from 1-11 to 7-6 to 11-3 in his first three years as a starter, the biggest turnaround at a Power Five school ever. 

In his first two seasons as a full-time starter, Brewer threw for 6,180 yards, 40 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 27 games. He was viewed as one of the brightest up-and-coming quarterbacks in the Big 12. 

Unfortunately, Brewer struggled to find his footing under new head coach Dave Aranda and offensive coordinator Larry Fedora. Brewer completed just 61.7 percent of his passes for 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His 6.1 yards per attempt and 122.3 passer rating both ranked as career lows. 

Brewer also suffered numerous injuries over his time at Baylor, including multiple to his head and neck area. 

"I am very thankful for Charlie and all that he has given Baylor football and Baylor University over the last four years," Baylor coach Dave Aranda said in a statement. "I have so much respect for him and the way he has led our team. There is no doubt that in my time here that Charlie has been tough, hard-working and competitive. We wish him nothing but the best in his next stop." 

Brewer leaves Baylor as simply one of the best signal-callers in the history of the program. He ranks No. 2 in Baylor history in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense, only trailing Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III in all three categories. 

Brewer’s eligibility was set to expire this season. However, the NCAA has ruled that fall athletes can participate in sports without it counting against their eligibility, so Brewer will get a fifth season at another school. 

With Brewer gone, Baylor will almost certainly hand the keys to freshman Jacob Zeno, a San Antonio Jay product. Zeno has completed 14-of-22 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception in limited touches. The Bears also have a commitment from blue-chip Alvin Shadow Creek quarterback Kyron Drones and underclassmen Gerry Bohanon and Blake Shapen on the roster.

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