AUBURN, Ala. – While many Auburn seniors are getting nostalgic about their final season on the Plains, quarterback Grant Loy's senior campaign will be both an ending and a beginning as he joins the Auburn roster as a graduate transfer from Bowling Green.
Because of COVID-19, Loy was delayed until summer in getting to meet his new teammates, but he has quickly developed a connection with them. He first entered the transfer portal in November, knowing he was scheduled to graduate from Bowling Green in December with a bachelor's degree in education.
"It was a tough transition," he said. "The transfer portal is a tough place to be because there is so much unknown, especially for a guy like me who only has one season left."
So why Auburn for his final season?
"I fell in love with the coaches right away, and I could just tell they were guys you wanted to be around every day," Loy said. "After being here for about two months and being around the coaches and the guys, I definitely made the right decision. Regardless of whatever happens, I am happy to be here."
Loy grew up in New Washington, Ohio, where he was a multi-sport athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. At Buckeye Central High School, he won two MVP trophies, was named team captain and was selected to the North Central Ohio Football Coaches Association First Team after throwing for 1,884 yards and 17 touchdowns his senior year.
But Loy was not just a star football player. He holds the Buckeye Central record with 80 stolen bases, while batting .370, and was named the District 6 Player of the Year on the diamond. And on the hardwood, he could have played at the Division II level if he wanted to.
"Sports were fun," Loy said. "My dad was my high school basketball coach, so I kind of grew up in the gym with my little brother. A lot of guys don't have that luxury, so I honestly thought I was going to be a basketball player in college. I actually walked on at Bowling Green, got to run the scout team my first year at quarterback, and earned a scholarship.
"I was good at basketball, but when you are in such a small town, it's not often that someone gets a chance to play Division I. Some guys go play Division II or Division III, but it's not often guys go Division I in sports. I knew the game of basketball, but comparing myself to other guys, I thought to myself, 'All right, I could go Division II because these guys that play Division 1 are no joke. I am not guarding any of them on the perimeter.'"
Football turned out to be a good choice, though it almost didn't happen. It wasn't until his senior year that Loy, with the help of his mother Shelli, started reaching out to recruiters about playing college football.
"My mom helped me out a ton," Loy said. "Just emailing coaches and seeing any way I can get in contact with anybody. Making every phone call she possibly could to get more information. She is the reason I am standing here today."
After agreeing to walk on at Bowling Green, Loy redshirted the 2016 season and then served as the backup for the Falcons in 2017 and 2018. Last fall, he won the starting job and seized the opportunity with 1,137 yards passing, 427 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns. He earned MAC East Offensive Player of the Week honors following a 20-7 win over Toledo.
"This past year was really my first year as a starter at Bowling Green," Loy said. "I had been subbed in here and there, but it was just really good to be out there. And in my first conference game, we pulled an upset that no one really expected us to (a win over rival Toledo)."
A three-time academic All-MAC selection, Loy is now working toward a master's degree in adult education with a minor in sports management from Auburn, but that wasn't the only reason he transferred. He wants a shot at playing at the next level.
"That has always been my dream," he said.
Down the road, Loy hopes he can stay in sports and would love the opportunity to become a broadcaster. For now, though, he's looking forward to the upcoming football season at Auburn.
"I am just incredibly grateful to be a part of Auburn football," he said. "The moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was a special place. I know the tradition here is amazing and the support we have as a program is endless. The first game can't get here fast enough."