Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about names in the upcoming college football transfer portal. With the window opening January 2, Craig’s already catching the eyes of several Power Four programs.
At least one College Football Playoff team has him circled as a top transfer quarterback prospect. What’s interesting is that Craig’s rise hasn’t been driven by buzz alone—he’s been quietly consistent and efficient every step of the way.
Over the past two seasons, he’s become the most prolific passer in Harvard’s history. He led the team to its first FCS playoff appearance in 2025, which still feels surreal for Harvard fans.
Jaden Craig’s Impressive Statistics and Achievements
Jaden Craig’s time at Harvard has been, honestly, pretty remarkable. In two seasons as the full-time starter, he threw for 5,299 yards and 58 touchdowns while completing 61% of his passes.
Those numbers have basically locked him in as the most prolific passer the program has ever seen. It’s hard to argue with the stats.
Record-Breaking Performances
Craig’s achievements include several record-breaking performances:
- Career passing yards: 6,074 (1st in Harvard history)
- Career passing touchdowns: 52 (1st in Harvard history)
- Single-season passing touchdowns: 25 (1st in Harvard history)
- Single-season passing yards: 2,869 (1st in Harvard history)
- Single-season completions: 208 (1st in Harvard history)
- Career completions: 435 (2nd in Harvard history)
- Career pass attempts: 714 (2nd in Harvard history)
- Single-season pass attempts: 338 (2nd in Harvard history, one shy of record)
Individual Accolades
Craig’s been a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is basically the FCS’s version of the Heisman. That’s not something you see every day.
Even former Harvard coach Tim Murphy said Craig is the best quarterback he’s seen at Harvard since Ryan Fitzpatrick in the early 2000s. That’s high praise, and you can tell it’s genuine.
Interest from Power Four Programs and NFL Evaluators
Craig’s consistency hasn’t gone unnoticed. Several Power Four programs are already showing serious interest, and at least one College Football Playoff team has him near the top of their transfer board, according to CBS Sports and 247Sports.
NFL Scouts Take Notice
NFL scouts are watching, too. One scout pointed out Craig’s ability to process the game, his decision-making, and how he moves in the pocket.
They also mentioned he stands tall and works through his progressions smoothly. On the flip side, there are some doubts about his arm strength, which might affect his draft chances. Still, his athleticism and knack for escaping pressure are earning him respect.
Analytical Standpoint and Performance Metrics
Analytically, Craig’s production lines up with what you see on film. PFF gave him the seventh-best passing grade (90.6) among FCS quarterbacks with at least 300 dropbacks this season.
He had 30 big-time throws, ranking second in that group. In 2025, Craig logged five 300-yard passing games and five games with three or more passing touchdowns.
Back in 2024, he notched three 300-yard games and five multi-touchdown performances. The numbers just keep stacking up.
Projection as a Transfer Candidate
Craig was once an unranked recruit out of Montclair (N.J.) Seton Hall Prep in the 2022 class. Now, he’s expected to enter the transfer portal as a three-star transfer and the No. 9 quarterback, according to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna.
It’s fair to say Craig is one of the most intriguing quarterback options on the market this winter. The buzz feels justified this time.
Conclusion
Jaden Craig started as an unranked recruit. Now, he’s a record-breaking quarterback at Harvard.
Honestly, that kind of leap says a lot about his talent and drive. The guy’s work ethic is obvious.
With Craig entering the transfer portal, there’s no doubt he’ll draw attention from top programs. NFL scouts are probably watching too.
His stats? Solid. He’s racked up individual awards and stayed consistent on the field.
Craig stands out as a top quarterback prospect in this year’s transfer market. If you want to dive deeper into his story or see what’s next, check out CBS Sports.
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