In the end, West Virginia’s starter under center is who most thought it would be.
Throughout spring practice and on into summer camp, Austin Kendall and Jack Allison battled for the right to replace Will Grier as WVU’s starting quarterback. A short time ago, first-year head coach Neal Brown confirmed that Kendall will be the Mountaineers’ starting quarterback heading into the 2019 season.
Austin Kendall has been named QB 1️⃣.
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) August 20, 2019
"It was clear after Friday's night scrimmage in the stadium that he earned it." pic.twitter.com/p69H5Oay5F
The development came shortly after reports surfaced that another competitor for the job, Bowling Green transfer Jarret Doege, had been granted an immediate-eligibility waiver.
After some initial uncertainty and controversy, Kendall transferred from Oklahoma to West Virginia earlier this offseason. A grad transfer, Kendall has another season of eligibility he can use in 2020 as well.
Kendall had been with the Sooners for three seasons after signing as a four-star member of OU’s 2016 recruiting class. His first two years were spent backing up 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, while this past season, after losing an offseason quarterback competition, was spent backing up 2018 Heisman winner Kyler Murray.
In limited playing time, Kendall has completed 28-of-39 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
And, for those curious, the Mountaineers will travel to Norman Oct. 19 to take on the Sooners.
As for Allison, who began his collegiate career at Miami, he served as Grier’s primary backup this past season, completing just over 50 percent of his 45 passes for 352 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.