University of Idaho quarterback Chad Chalich has been granted permission to contact other schools and is expected to leave the Vandal football program, according to Idaho athletic director Rob Spear.
Spear said Chalich has permission to contact Montana, Idaho State and Sacramento State — all Big Sky teams.
Since the three programs play at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, Chalich would not have to sit out a year. He qualifies for the NCAA’s one-time transfer exception rule and would be eligible to play right away.
Prior to the season, Chalich lost the quarterback competition to freshman Matt Linehan.
Chalich, a sophomore from Coeur d’Alene, played in four games this past season and completed 36 of 64 passes for 491 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran the ball 25 times for 156 yards and one touchdown.
After freshman quarterback Matt Linehan left the New Mexico State game early in the first quarter with a head injury, Chalich came off the bench and played a key role in Idaho’s only win of the season. He completed 18 of 32 passed for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception — he also carried the ball 12 times for 73 yards.
Chalich suffered a hip and groin injury in the game against San Diego State, which kept him from playing in Idaho’s final two games of the season.
The two remaining quarterbacks on the roster are Linehan and Jake Luton, a freshman from Marysville, Washington who sat out this season redshirting.