Former Stanford QB K.J. Costello Transfers to Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Former Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello announced his decision to transfer to Mississippi State on Monday for his final year of eligibility.

As a graduate transfer, Costello will be eligible immediately. This is the second year that Mississippi State landed a graduate transfer. Last year, former Penn State quarterback Tommy Stevens joined the team.

Costello, a native of Newport Beach, California, announced his decision with a lengthy Twitter post.

Costello played in just five games last year due to injuries. He suffered a concussion in the season-opening 17-7 win over Northwestern and missed Stanford’s Pac-12 opener against USC the following week. He then injured his thumb against Oregon on Sept. 21 and remained out until Oct. 26. He last played on Nov. 9 against Colorado. He totaled 1,028 passing yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions on the year.

His best season came as a redshirt junior where he completed 269 of his 413 pass attempts (65.1%) for 3,540 yards. He threw 29 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.

In 29 total appearances for the Cardinal, Costello threw for 6,151 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Costello will compete with second-year quarterback Garrett Shrader for the starting position under the guideline of new head coach Mike Leach.