South Carolina senior quarterback Jake Bentley announced his plans to pursue a graduate transfer on social media Monday morning.
Bentley started 33 games from 2016-18, but he suffered a foot injury on the final play of the 2019 season opener against North Carolina and missed the rest of the Gamecocks’ 4-8 campaign.
“The past 3 1/2 years have been incredible. I have met lifelong friends and made memories that I will never forget,” he posted on Twitter. “However, at this time, I believe that it is in my best interest to graduate on December 16th and transfer to play my final year of eligibility.”
Bentley thanked coach Will Muschamp, former Gamecocks star Marcus Lattimore, teammates and fans for their support.
Bentley went 19-14 as the starter, completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 7,527 yards, 55 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. As a graduate transfer, he will be eligible to play next season.
Freshman Ryan Hilinski replaced Bentley this season and passed for 2,357 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
