Preston Stone, who was stuck behind quarterback Kevin Jennings at SMU, is expected to transfer to Northwestern, according to Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

Northwestern wouldn’t be getting a typical backup quarterback in 2025 though. Stone is one of the most experienced signal-callers in the transfer portal. He’s already thrown for 4,030 yards and 35 touchdowns in his career and is 13-3 as a starter with just 8 career interceptions.

Stone began the 2024 season as the Mustangs’ starter, which seems like light years ago before the emergence of Jennings. Stone is considered one of the top proven starting options in the portal by those in the coaching and personnel positions. He ranks as a 3-star transfer and the No. 31 overall quarterback in the portal, according to 247Sports.

The 6-foot-1, 219-pound junior from Dallas will apparently be leaving his home state and the program right down the road for faraway Evanston, Illinois. Stone will have 1 remaining season of eligibility but is reportedly planning to apply for a medical redshirt for an additional year of eligibility.

Stone started SMU’s first 3 games this fall before being replaced by Jennings, who proceeded to light it up in 2024 with 3,050 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with 8 interceptions, along with 529 rushing yards and 6 scores heading into Saturday’s first-round Playoff nightmare against Penn State.