Idaho Football Announces Departures of Five Players
Moscow, ID – The University of Idaho’s football program has announced the departure of five players as the team looks to regroup for the upcoming season. The players, who have chosen to enter the transfer portal, include key contributors from the previous season, raising questions about the team’s depth and future performance.
Among the players leaving is junior quarterback Jason Smith, who started in several games last season. Smith’s decision to transfer comes as a surprise to fans and coaches alike, as he was seen as a potential leader for the Vandals moving forward. Also departing is senior wide receiver Marcus Lee, known for his explosive plays and reliable hands. Lee’s experience will be sorely missed, especially in a receiving corps that relied on his veteran presence.
In addition to Smith and Lee, the departures include sophomore linebacker Ryan Jones, redshirt freshman running back Alex Turner, and junior defensive back Jake Miller. Each of these players had been significant contributors during their time at Idaho, and their exits could lead to reshuffled positions and a renewed focus on recruiting.
Head Coach John Smith expressed his disappointment regarding the departures but emphasized the program’s commitment to building a competitive team. “We wish all of our departing players the best in their future endeavors. While it’s tough to see them go, we are focused on recruiting new talent and developing the players we have to continue our progress,” Smith said in a statement.
The Vandals are set to begin their offseason training soon, and with the opening of the transfer portal, the coaching staff will be actively seeking to fill the gaps left by these departures. As Idaho prepares for the next season, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to these changes.
