Sam Houston added an exciting new option to the quarterback room with the addition of North Texas transfer Grant Gunnell. The 6-6, 228-pounder from The Woodlands outside of Houston still possesses three years of eligibility entering 2023. Gunnell holds the Texas high school state record for passing yards in a career with 16,108 yards at St. Pius X. The next closest all-time is Hunter Lile with 14,408. 

Sam Houston is Gunnell’s fourth collegiate stop. He began his career at Arizona in 2019. He stayed there for two seasons, starting four times in 2020. Gunnell threw for 15 touchdowns and three interceptions over the span before transferring to Memphis prior to the 2021 season. He left there for North Texas after the 2021 season, but never made a dent in the Mean Green rotation last year. He’s only thrown five college passes since 2020. 

Sam Houston begins its first year as an FBS program in 2023. Gunnell will compete with senior Keegan Shoemaker for the starting spot. Shoemaker thew for 1,122 yards and six touchdowns compared to five interceptions during seven appearances in 2022. He’s best known as a Bearkat for leading two comeback wins over rival SFA.