College football’s transfer portal era has transformed roster building into a year-round chess match, especially at the quarterback position. Programs are no longer waiting on traditional recruiting cycles to address needs under center. Instead, coaching staffs are scan the portal for experienced signal-callers who can step in and compete immediately. For teams looking to elevate their offensive ceiling, landing a battle-tested quarterback from a Power Five program can change the trajectory of an entire season. That urgency has been clear in Greenville this offseason, as East Carolina has actively sought reinforcements to strengthen its quarterback room ahead of a pivotal campaign.
East Carolina has secured a major addition at quarterback
Former Emory Williams has officially signed with the East Carolina Pirates, according to CBS Sports reporters Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz. Williams heads to Greenville after spending the past three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, where he served primarily as a backup over the last two years.
During the 2025 season, Williams sat behind Carson Beck on the depth chart, after previously backing up Cam Ward in 2024. He entered the transfer portal following Miami’s postseason loss to Indiana Hoosiers earlier this week, utilizing the extended transfer window granted to teams that participated in the College Football Playoff.
Now a redshirt sophomore, Williams arrives at ECU with two years of remaining eligibility. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback appeared in 12 games during his time in Coral Gables, completing 73 of 116 passes for 813 yards and four touchdowns while throwing just two interceptions. His most impressive stretch came in 2023 as a true freshman, when he made two starts — including a home victory over Clemson Tigers — before suffering a season-ending arm injury late in the year.
Williams had been connected to East Carolina for several weeks but waited until Miami’s season officially wrapped up before making his decision. With the portal closing on January 16 for CFP participants, he finalized his move just ahead of the deadline.
At ECU, Williams will battle for the starting role alongside Texas Tech transfer Mitch Griffis, giving the Pirates two experienced quarterbacks with Power Five backgrounds as they prepare for the offseason.
