The era of COVID-season quarterbacks is nearing its end, but a few holdovers from 2020 will still be around in 2026 — and one of them is headed to East Carolina.
The Pirates have landed veteran quarterback, who previously played at Wake Forest and Texas Tech. His college career traces back to the disrupted 2020 season, making him one of the last remaining quarterbacks from that unique era.
Griffis spent four seasons at Wake Forest from 2020 to 2023, serving primarily as a backup before taking over as the Demon Deacons’ starting quarterback in 2023. That season, he threw for 1,553 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing just under 60 percent of his passes. After the season, Griffis entered the transfer portal, initially committing to Marshall before stepping away from football in June 2024.
He made a return to the game last December, unretiring and transferring to Texas Tech. With the Red Raiders, Griffis was part of a Big 12 championship team that reached the College Football Playoff. Although he opened the season as the third-string quarterback behind Behren Morton and Will Hammond, injuries created opportunities for him to see meaningful action. Morton battled recurring injuries, while Hammond suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
Griffis appeared in lopsided wins over Oklahoma State and UCF, attempting 30 passes across the two games. He finished the season completing 26 of 36 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, while also adding 29 rushing yards and a score.
With his 2024 hiatus excluded, the 2026 campaign will serve as Griffis’ sixth and final season of eligibility. The Ashburn, Virginia native now returns to the region with an East Carolina program searching for answers at quarterback. ECU recently lost two-year starter Katin Houser to Illinois via the transfer portal, creating an opening atop the depth chart. Griffis is expected to compete for the role alongside freshman Chaston Ditta, who led the Pirates to a Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh in December.