Quarterback movement has become one of the defining storylines of modern college football, and once again, the transfer portal has reshaped the landscape. Programs across the country have retooled, searching for the right fit under center, and players have pursued fresh opportunities to elevate their careers. For former Michigan State signal-caller, that next chapter is officially set.
The Quarterback has announced on social media that he will be continuing his collegiate career with East Carolina, bringing a former four-star pedigree and valuable starting experience to the Pirates’ quarterback room. After spending two seasons in East Lansing, the California native is now looking for a fresh start and a chance to maximize his potential in a new system.
During the previous season, the redshirted freshman, appeared in 11 games and made seven starts for Michigan State. He completed 112 of his 191 pass attempts for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns through the air, while throwing five interceptions. In addition to his passing production, he showcased mobility by adding two rushing touchdowns on the ground. While flashes of talent were evident, inconsistency and team struggles ultimately led the Spartans to explore other options at the position heading into the new season.
Katin Houser will arrive at East Carolina as a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining. His decision followed an official visit to Greenville that concluded Thursday, with Houser extending his stay into Friday. According to 247Sports, he informed the coaching staff of his commitment during his exit interview Friday night before publicly revealing his decision on Saturday.
At Michigan State, the quarterback situation remains in transition. Recently hired head coach Jonathan Smith is expected to reshape the roster, and Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles is widely viewed as an early frontrunner for the starting job. Houser started seven games for the Spartans but managed just two wins in those contests, as the team endured a challenging season that ultimately prompted change at multiple levels.
From a recruiting standpoint, Houser entered college with significant expectations. He was rated a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 14 quarterback nationally, as well as the No. 15 overall player in the state of California, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Nationally, he was slotted at No. 215 overall, reflecting the high ceiling evaluators saw in his arm talent and upside.
In the transfer portal rankings, Houser is currently listed by 247Sports as the No. 28 quarterback in the transfer class and No. 176 overall. Those rankings suggest that while he may not be among the very top-tier portal quarterbacks, he remains a coveted addition with starting experience and multiple years to develop.
His most impressive outing last season came against Indiana on Nov. 18. In that game, Houser delivered his strongest performance, completing a season-high 25 of 39 passes for 277 yards. He accounted for three touchdowns through the air, despite tossing two interceptions, and helped guide Michigan State to a 24-21 victory. The performance offered a glimpse of the quarterback many believed he could become.
Now at East Carolina, Houser will have the opportunity to reset, refine his game, and potentially reestablish himself as one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in college football’s evolving transfer era.