University of Cincinnati backup quarterback Ben Bryant announced Thursday he is transferring to Eastern Michigan.
Bryant's announcement via Twitter came about a month after he entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer.
"Upon graduation from The University of Cincinnati, I felt like it was in my best interest to explore my options," said Bryant, whose parents both graduated from Eastern Michigan.
The 6-foot-3, 218-pound La Grange, Illinois, native remained with the Bearcats and was eligible to practice, dress and play while in the portal.
More:2021 Heisman Trophy field littered with QBs, including UC's Desmond Ridder
Bryant. a redshirt sophomore, completed 11 of his 14 attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown and added 65 rushing yards on six attempts with a score this season. He had a 40-yard touchdown run in a win against Austin Peay on Sept. 19.
Bryant completed 29 of his 51 attempts for 388 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in seven games last season. Bryant made his first career start in the regular-season finale at Memphis when starter Desmond Ridder was sidelined with an injury.
Bryant spent the 2020 season backing up Ridder, the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Both Bryant and Ridder earned their degrees in sports administration in December.
Ridder, one of 12 finalists for the Manning Award, is a junior. He has yet to announce whether he will return to Cincinnati next season or declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Underclassmen have a mid-January deadline to file declaration papers with the league. The draft is scheduled to be held in Cleveland from April 29-May 1.
More:College football underclassmen who intend to enter 2021 NFL draft
UC also has freshman quarterback Evan Prater, a former Wyoming High School standout and the 2019 Ohio Mr. Football, waiting in the wings.
The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, is in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes the candidates’ bowl performances into consideration in its balloting.
The winner of the award will be announced following the outcome of Monday's College Football Playoff national championship game.
Cincinnati senior linebacker Joel Dublanko announced Thursday he will return to UC for another season. Dublanko joins linebacker Darrian Beavers, cornerback Coby Bryant and wide receiver Jordan Jones as seniors using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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