Colorado’s perceived quarterback of the future is entering the transfer portal.

Owen McCown, a starter for three of CU’s games this season before suffering an injury, announced on Thursday he plans to enter the transfer portal when the window opens on Dec. 5.

A true freshman this season, McCown saw his first collegiate action late in the Buffs’ Week 3 loss to Minnesota. As the offense sputtered under the direction of Brendon Lewis and JT Shrout, CU elevated McCown to the QB1 role for the next three contests against UCLA, Arizona, and Cal.

McCown was injured against the Golden Bears and missed the remainder of the season to preserve a redshirt. He completed 57% of his passes for 600 yards and two touchdowns. McCown tossed two interceptions but also ran for another 38 yards and two rushing scores.

His departure leaves CU with Lewis, Shrout, and former Houston transfer Maddox Kopp to vie for the position. Kopp started the final game of the year against Utah and threw for 123 yards and a score.

CU is in the market for its next head coach. It seems even more likely now that whoever that coach turns out to be will look long and hard at the portal for a quarterback to start fresh with.