Cole Pennington, the son of former Miami Dolphins and New York Jets star quarterback Chad Pennington, has decided to again enter the transfer portal in an unexpected move.
The 6-foot-3 Cole Pennington joined the Marshall Thundering Herd in 2022, redshirting in his first year. In limited action over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Pennington has thrown for 752 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions.
Just eight days ago, Pennington announced on X/Twitter that he was committed to the South Dakota Coyotes’ program. The team is coached by Bob Neilson, who finished 11-3 in 2024.
COMMITTED. Go ‘Yotes!! @SDCoyotesFB @Coach_JDavis @1CoachRosie pic.twitter.com/or7RDvyEKh
— Cole Pennington (@c_pennington10) December 20, 2024
But shortly after noon on Friday, Cole Pennington announced that he’s back in the transfer portal because of “unforeseen circumstances.” The details behind the development aren’t clear at this time.
In the Transfer Portal. pic.twitter.com/jR24axab3j
— Cole Pennington (@c_pennington10) December 27, 2024
Braylon Braxton was Marshall’s main starting quarterback during the 2024 season, throwing for 1,624 yards and 19 touchdowns against two interceptions to go along with 610 rushing yards and four rushing scores. Braxton has also entered the transfer portal.
Chad Pennington is now the head coach of the Sayre School football team (in Lexington, Kentucky) that Cole attended. Chad played for the Jets from 2000 to 2007 before spending his final three seasons (2008 to 2010) in Miami.
Cole Pennington Looks To Follow Father’s Footsteps
The elder Pennington was drafted 18th overall by the New York Jets in 2000 following five years at Marshall. Pennington had success as QB for both the Jets and Dolphins, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2006 (with New York) and Miami (2008).
New York reached the postseason three times with Chad, who also led Miami to a surprise AFC East division crown in 2008.
If Cole Pennington can land in the right system, he’ll improve his production and hopefully follow Chad’s footsteps into the NFL.
