SMU transfer QB Preston Stone update adds salt to Mustangs’ wounds after Penn State loss

The SMU Mustangs were dominated in the First Round of the College Football Playoff as they lost on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions 38-10. However, some other problems popped up after the game, as according to The Daily Northwestern, backup quarterback Preston Stone has transferred to the Northwestern Wildcats.

Stone decided to enter the transfer portal the day after the portal officially opened and was with the Mustangs for four years. Stone played 28 games, with almost half of those games being starts, before losing the starting job this season to Kevin Jennings.

Preston Stone did not wind up playing in the College Football Playoff, meaning his SMU career will end with him completing 267-of-450 (59.3%) of his passes for 4,030 yards with 35 passing touchdowns to eight interceptions. He also rushed for 287 yards (3.3 yards per attempt) on 88 carries with six rushing touchdowns.

Who has the Northwestern Wildcats landed in the 2025 NCAA Transfer Portal so far?

While the NCAA Transfer Portal window is still open, the Northwestern Wildcats have already added some talents. The biggest get for their offense is obviously Preston Stone but that is far from the only addition the team has made.

The Wildcats were also able to add Purdue defensive lineman Yanni Karlaftis, offensive tackle Xavior Gray from Liberty and wide receiver Chase Farrell. Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald in July 2023 due to a hazing scandal. Defensive coordinator David Braun was initially named interim coach before having the interim tag dropped and becoming the full-time coach.

With Braun attempting to build the program after a 4-8 (2-7 Big Ten) record this season, adding Preston Stone to be under center will certainly help the passing game that finished 111th in college football with 185.9 passing yards per game.