Backup quarterback Jake Rubley intends to transfer after three years at Kansas State

Things never worked out according to plan for Jake Rubley at Kansas State, and now he is looking for both a fresh start and a new team.

Rubley, a sophomore quarterback who saw action in six games during three seasons with the Wildcats, has announced that he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal and play elsewhere next year.

“Kansas State will always be a special place in my heart,” Rubley wrote on social media. “The last three years have been filled with many amazing memories that I will cherish forever. I want to start by thanking Coach (Chris) Klieman, Coach (Collin) Klein and the rest of the staff for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the Kansas State Family.

“Thank you to my teammates who I have built such special relationships with. You guys are the reason I get up every morning to go to work. Being able to win the Big 12 championship with you guys will always be one of the best days of my life, and I wish the best for the entire program moving forward.”

This decision was not a surprise.

Rubley was never able to live up the hype that surrounded him when he initially committed to the Wildcats as a four-star recruit out of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He picked K-State over high-profile schools such as Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.

He was one of the highest-rated players to ever sign with K-State.

For that reason, many expected him to replace Skylar Thompson as the team’s starting quarterback and have a brilliant career with the Wildcats. But things didn’t play out that way. After spending his first year on the sideline with a redshirt, he found himself behind both Adrian Martinez and Will Howard last season. He was unable to move up the depth chart this year when Avery Johnson won the primary backup job as a freshman.

If Rubley wants to be a starting quarterback next season, his best move is to look for a new team.

Rubley will leave K-State after completing five of six passes for 47 yards. He also rushed six times for two yards.

He was not the only K-State football player who announced transfer plans on Monday.

Shane Porter, a wide receiver who has played an important role on special teams, also plans to enter the portal when it opens next month. Howard has also reportedly entered the portal as a graduate transfer.