Texas Southern QB KJ Cooper Enters Transfer Portal After Breakout Season

Texas Southern quarterback KJ Cooper has decided to enter the transfer portal following a standout season for the Tigers. Cooper made the announcement over the weekend on his social media accounts, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude to those who supported him.

In his statement, Cooper thanked God, head coach Zerick Rollins, the strength and conditioning staff, teammates, and the broader Texas Southern community. He emphasized the role the program played in his growth as both a football player and a person of faith.

Cooper noted that after “a lot of thought and prayer,” he had decided to pursue a new opportunity while retaining one year of eligibility. His announcement comes after a season in which he played a central role in Texas Southern achieving a 6-5 record.

The decision to enter the portal marks a new chapter for Cooper, who now seeks to leverage his strong season into an opportunity at another program, while Texas Southern prepares to navigate the departure of one of its top players.

1. Stellar Season at Texas Southern

Cooper’s performance this past season was instrumental in Texas Southern’s success. The Tigers finished 6-5, marking their first winning season since 2020 when they went 9-3. Cooper’s leadership at quarterback was a key factor in the team’s resurgence. He threw for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns, with only six interceptions, demonstrating accuracy, poise, and consistency throughout the season. Cooper also contributed on the ground, rushing for 292 yards and four additional touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities. His ability to make plays in critical moments helped stabilize the Tigers’ offense, making him a focal point of the team’s game plan. His performance earned him recognition within the SWAC and broader FCS circles. As Texas Southern reflects on the season, Cooper’s on-field contributions remain a defining aspect of their return to winning form, setting a standard for future quarterbacks in the program.

2. Leadership and Gratitude

In his social media statement, Cooper emphasized the relationships that shaped his experience at Texas Southern. He specifically thanked head coach Zerick Rollins for mentorship, highlighting personal growth both on and off the field. He also acknowledged the strength and conditioning staff for pushing him to improve daily and the camaraderie of his teammates, calling the bonds formed “brotherhood” and “memories… cherished for a lifetime.” Cooper’s message underscored the significance of community, faith, and mentorship in his development, showing that his decision to transfer was carefully considered rather than impulsive. His departure reflects both ambition and gratitude, as Cooper looks to leverage his final year of eligibility while honoring the foundation built at Texas Southern.

3. Texas Southern’s Next Steps

With Cooper entering the portal, Texas Southern faces the challenge of replacing a dynamic and productive quarterback. Head coach Cris Dishman will aim to build upon the momentum of the Tigers’ first winning season in three years. The program will likely focus on recruiting and development to maintain continuity on offense while identifying potential transfer portal candidates to fill the vacancy. Dishman’s goal will be to preserve the winning culture that Cooper helped cultivate this season. Cooper’s departure also serves as a reminder of the opportunities and mobility within college football, where standout players can seek new challenges while programs adjust to roster changes. As Texas Southern looks forward, the emphasis will be on sustaining progress and continuing the team’s upward trajectory despite the loss of a key contributor.