Justin Fields to Play in Sugar Bowl While Exploring Transfer from Georgia

Georgia quarterback Justin Fields, who is expected to transfer after this season, will still play in the Sugar Bowl against Texas on January 1, per head coach Kirby Smart.

"He decided he wanted to play in the Sugar Bowl, and I told him, 'Absolutely, we want you there,'" Smart said Wednesday, per Mike Griffith of Dawg Nation. "Justin is working extremely hard, he's in the meeting rooms, he's still rolling with our twos. I'm pleased with his work and demeanor; he has had good reps."

Fields has completed 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He has also rushed for 266 yards and four scores.

A 5-star recruit from Kennesaw, Georgia, Fields was ranked as the class of 2018's second-best prospect, per 247 Sports. He chose Georgia over other top SEC schools such as Alabama and LSU.

However, Fields hasn't seen much playing time this year behind sophomore starter Jake Fromm, who has completed 68.4 percent of his passes and tossed 27 touchdowns. Fields' best bet for playing time lies elsewhere.

Kyle Rowland of The Blade reported that Ohio State is the front-runner to land Fields, with Florida State and Oklahoma on the list as well.

All three schools have openings at quarterback next year. Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins hasn't declared for the draft, but his professional stock is on the rise after a 2018 season in which he finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranks him first at his position among NFL draft prospects.

FSU signal-caller Deondre Francois has one year left of eligibility if he plans to use it. OU quarterback Kyler Murray has already said he is leaving school after this year.

Fields' destination could significantly impact the college football playoff landscape next season. Until then, he is set to play in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. Kickoff is at 8:45 p.m. ET.