May 08--By Paul Skrbina
Chicago Tribune
Brian Kelly said in early April that Everett Golson and Malik Zaire would "compete into August, no question" to be Notre Dame's starting quarterback.
Golson made the decision for Kelly on Thursday when he announced he will transfer.
"We, of course, have approached our preparations for the upcoming season with this possibility in mind," Kelly said in a statement, adding that he wished Golson luck.
Golson will be eligible to play immediately at his new school after he graduates from Notre Dame. He led the Irish to the national championship game after an undefeated 2012 regular season but served an academic suspension that kept him off the field the next year.
Golson and Zaire, who will be a junior in the fall, received most of the reps during spring practice, leaving sophomore DeShone Kizer a bit behind. Freshman Brandon Wimbush is scheduled to arrive this summer.
Golson led the Irish to a 6-0 start in 2014, then they lost five of six before Zaire took over as starter in the Music City Bowl and helped Notre Dame to a 31-28 victory against LSU. Golson passed for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns last season but threw 14 interceptions -- four returned for touchdowns -- and lost eight fumbles.
"I will have no further comment at this time and ask that you respect my time as I figure out this life-changing moment," Golson said in a statement released to Fox Sports.
The South Carolina native could face a roadblock if he wants to transfer to an SEC school. The conference doesn't allow its programs to accept graduate transfers who faced disciplinary sanctions at their previous school, though a school can appeal for a waiver.
Golson wasn't the only player the Irish lost Thursday. Defensive end Bo Wallace, a Class of 2015 signee from New Orleans, announced on Twitter: "I am sorry to say that I will not be attending the University of Notre Dame."
