Terrence Cooks transfer portal: 3 landing spots for TCU LB ft. Mississippi State
With college football's regular season ending, the beginning of transfer portal season has arrived and Terrence Cooks has joined. Cooks, a TCU linebacker, is among the first players to put his hat into the transfer ring.
Cooks spent a season at Texas and the last two years at TCU. Injuries have hurt his career arc significantly.
But Cooks is now apparently on the move, likely for a school where he'll see the field more than he did at TCU. Cooks missed the 2022 season due to injury and in the last two years, he had just seven tackles in 12 games. Here are three likely landing spots for Cooks.
Terrence Cooks transfer portal: Top 3 landing spots for TCU LB
3. Texas Tech
Cooks is an in-state product of Pearland, Texas, so a third straight Texas school wouldn't be a shocking move. Tech has gone 8-4 in 2024, but is 15th in the 16-team Big 12 in total defense.
It's worth noting that Baylor was one of the top schools recruiting Cooks out of high school. Justin Johnson, a former Bears coach who courted Cooks, is now on Texas Tech's staff.
The Red Raiders could doubtlessly use big, physical linebackers like Cooks. Meanwhile, Cooks is familiar with big-time college football and would hit the field for spring practice ready to learn and be plugged into a significant role right away. Tech could be the winners of the sweepstakes for Cooks.
2. Nicholls State
On the other hand, Cooks might want to go somewhere that he could definitely play early and often. His father, Terrence Cooks, played at Nicholls State and went on to the NFL. Picked to win their conference in 2024, FCS Nicholls State instead went just 4-8.
That said, the opportunity for immediate playing time could well be significant for Cooks. After four seasons of minimal playing time, moving to a location where he'd be sure to see the field might be a move that seems lucrative for Cooks. Don't be surprised if the lure of the Colonels (or a similar FCS or Group of Five school) eventually draws the TCU standout.
1. Mississippi State
A midpoint between going for the chance to play right away and staying at the top levels of football could be at Mississippi State. Coleman Hutzler took a major role in recruiting Cooks to Texas in 2021. Hutzler is now the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State, where the Bulldogs just finished a brutal 2-10 campaign.
State thus presents Cooks the opportunity to play in arguably the top conference in college football, being coached by a coordinator who is familiar with the high points of his game and skill set, and still get the chance to contribute immediately at a 2-10 team that was the worst in the conference. There's reason to think the Bulldogs might end up landing Cooks.
Which school do you think will ultimately sign Terrence Cooks? Share your opinion below in our comments section!