Texas Tech is reportedly the frontrunner. Rutgers received a visit over the weekend.
Another school has, however, entered the Philip Nelson fray as well.
The father of the former Minnesota quarterback confirmed to the Minneapolis Star Tribune via email Monday that Kansas State is interested in his son and the two sides are in communication. There’s no word on when or even if Nelson will visit Little Manhattan.
Earlier this month, Nelson abruptly announced that he would be transferring from the Gophers.
The past two seasons, Nelson, who was a three-star member of the Gophers’ 2012 recruiting class, had started 16 games. Nine of those starts came as a true sophomore in a 2013 season in which he led the run-heavy Gophers in passing yards (1,306) and passing touchdowns (nine). He was also third in rushing yards (364) and rushing touchdowns (six).
If Nelson transfers to an FBS program, he will be forced to sit out the 2014 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules. He will have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2015, even if he transfers to the Scarlet Knights. While RU is moving to the Big Ten, the Star Tribune points out, that move doesn’t become official until July 1 and thus wouldn’t strip a second season of eligibility, via an in-conference transfer, away from the quarterback.