Trevor Knight Granted Release by Oklahoma: Latest Comments, Reaction

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Trevor Knight looked like a superstar in the making on Jan. 2, 2014, when he throttled the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl with 348 passing yards and four touchdowns. Less than two years later, he is reportedly looking to transfer to another school.

Carey Murdock of SoonerScoop.com (of the Rivals network) first reported on Thursday that Knight was “granted a full release from the University of Oklahoma by head coach Bob Stoops.” Murdock also noted Stoops will not block the quarterback from transferring inside the Big 12. Oklahoma confirmed the news on Friday and Stoops released a statement on the decision:

"

Trevor has been unbelievable during his time as a Sooner. I can't say enough about him and what he's meant to our program. He will graduate this month and has told us that he would like to investigate the possibility of finishing his career elsewhere. We understand him wanting to explore his options and will be happy for him if he's able to find a good fit.

"

Knight will be allowed to transfer to another school in the spring and play in the 2016 season, presuming he graduates this semester, which is expected. Knight also released a statement:

"

My decision to reach out and communicate with other potential programs is something I feel I must do in order to see if there is a perfect fit for my senior season. I can promise you that no one is more proud to be a Sooner than I am, and in no way shape or form will this take away from my excitement and commitment heading into the championship season. I am truly touched by the support from both Coach Stoops and Coach (Lincoln) Riley, as well as all of Sooner Nation during this time.

Enough about me. Let's go beat the Tigers. Boomer!

"

Knight lost his starting job to Baker Mayfield this season, and Mayfield propelled the Sooners into the College Football Playoff as a Heisman Trophy candidate for much of the year. Mayfield actually transferred to Oklahoma from Texas Tech, although he lost two seasons of eligibility because the Red Raiders blocked his transfer inside the league.

Knight appeared in six games this season and took over for Mayfield when the starter suffered a concussion against TCU. The Sooners were winning that game 23-7 when Mayfield exited, and they barely hung on for a 30-29 victory.

Unfortunately for Knight, he never matched his performance against the Crimson Tide during the rest of his Oklahoma tenure. He finished with 2,300 passing yards, 339 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns and a disappointing 12 interceptions in 2014 and had to sit out the final three regular-season games with injury. 

Carson Cunningham of KOCO 5 in Oklahoma City remarked on Knight’s career arc:

Murdock pointed out that Knight “has spoken with several potential transfer destinations,” including Kansas State, Oregon, Georgia and Southern Methodist. Oregon in particular has experience with graduate-transfer quarterbacks, considering Vernon Adams Jr. led the Ducks this season after finishing school at Eastern Washington.