Joeckel will take advantage of an NCAA transfer rule to pursue his final year of athletic eligibility at another institution. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Texas A&M quarterback Matt Joeckel, who was competing to replace Johnny Manziel as the starter for the Aggies, announced Wednesday he will transfer from the program.
Joeckel will take advantage of an NCAA transfer rule to pursue his final year of athletic eligibility at another institution.
“Matt is a great Aggie and he has decided to transfer,” Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said in a statement. “We wish him all the best.”
Joeckel earned his undergraduate degree from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M in December.
“I have loved my 4 1/2 years at Texas A&M,” Joeckel said. “I am glad I had the opportunity to play for Coach Sumlin, Coach (Jake) Spavital and the rest of the coaches. I am proud to have my degree from the Mays Business School and I’ll always consider myself a member of the Aggie family.”
The Arlington, Texas, native and former three-star recruit played in four games last season, connecting on 22 of 37 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns.
The competition at quarterback now falls to Kenny Hill and Kyle Allen.
Hill, a sophomore, played in four games as a freshman, completing 16 of 22 passes, including a touchdown. He also ran the ball seven times for 37 yards.
Last month, Hill was arrested for public intoxication and soon thereafter suspended indefinitely.
Allen enrolled at Texas A&M in January and was able to compete throughout spring practice, which ended on April 5.
