Ex-UNC quarterback Cade Fortin will start for USF against NC State

Former UNC quarterback Cade Fortin will be the starter for USF in Week 1, the team announced on Monday afternoon. His brief career in Chapel Hill included a start against NC State in 2018—I even found photographic evidence.

After transferring and sitting out 2019, Fortin failed to win the USF starting job over Jordan McCloud prior to the 2020 season. Fortunately for Fortin, McCloud transferred to Arizona after last season, leaving the gig wide open. Fortin was able to beat out three other guys for the nod, including former Miami quarterback Jarren Williams.

Against the Pack in 2018, Fortin was 19-40 for 267 yards with a touchdown and an interception. NC State won that game 34-28 in overtime on the strength of a big performance from Reggie Gallaspy.

It’s definitely a weird coincidence for State to be running into this dude again, but such is college football’s rich tapestry. Let’s just hope he hasn’t gone and done something unfortunate over the last couple years, like learn how to play football better.