Report: Former 5-Star QB Malachi Nelson Commits to UTEP from BSU in Transfer Portal

Former Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson committed to UTEP in the transfer portal on Sunday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel (h/t ESPN's Paolo Uggetti).

Nelson was a 5-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and ranked as the No. 5 quarterback as well as the No. 11 overall recruit in the country, per 247Sports' Composite rankings.

He started his college career at USC, appearing in one game during the 2023 season before transferring to Boise State. Nelson suited up in three contests with the Broncos in 2024, entering the portal on Dec. 12.

He turned down "high-profile and more lucrative opportunities" to join UTEP due to his "faith" in head coach Scotty Walden, via Uggetti.

Nelson still has three years of eligibility remaining.

The 21-year-old was initially viewed as a successor to Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams on the Trojans, but he transferred after Miller Moss appeared to be headed towards a starting job in 2024.

Nelson was expected to be a candidate for the first-string role in Boise State following the change of scenery, but he lost the battle for the top spot on the depth chart to Maddux Madsen. The Broncos thrived with Madsen under center, finishing with a 12-2 record to go along with a College Football Playoff appearance.

All three of Nelson's appearances in 2024 occurred near the end of blowout victories. He completed 70.6 percent of his passes for 128 yards and an interception.

UTEP is coming off a 3-9 season in Walden's first year as head coach, as he joined the Miners in Dec. 2023 after leading Austin Peay to a 9-3 record in his final season with the team.

Nelson should have a much easier path towards a starting role with UTEP as he attempts to show why he was one of the nation's top recruits in high school.