The Western New Mexico Mustangs are about to get the shock of the season. Just days after their season-ending fourth consecutive loss, they’re reportedly going to lose a key player from the roster.

“Western New Mexico QB Connor Ackerley is set to enter the transfer portal,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on X. “His agents @agent__OG and @KristoffPollas tell @CBSSports. Threw for 2,999 yards and 30 touchdowns in 11 games as a redshirt freshman this season.”

The player also confirmed the same by posting a screenshot of his application shortly after. “I want to thank WNMU for the opportunity and everything they have done for me. The growth I’ve had as a player and a person is in great thanks to Coach Hickman, Coach Lutman and Coach Davis. I leave WNMU with great friendships and relationships that I will have forever. I look forward to my next opportunity with 3 years of eligibility,” he wrote in another tweet. Now, that’s problematic for a couple of reasons.

For starters, Ackerley has been a bright spot in the team’s struggle-filled 2-9 season. In September, the quarterback, who’s also an aspiring sports reporter working for Sports Illustrated, was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New Mexico Highlands in the La Batalla Bowl.

His seven touchdown passes were a school record, and the highest by any player across all NCAA divisions this season, since 2013 by LSC Hall of Honor inductee Dustin Vaughan. The freshman quarterback ultimately completed 34 of 57 passes for 529 yards and one interception. Despite the 55-69 loss, he was instrumental in helping the team recover from a 35-7 deficit and tie the game at 55-55 in the fourth quarter.

In fact, coming into the game vs the UT Permian Basin Falcons on November 1, Ackerley was leading the nation with 2,692 passing yards. This season, he ranks Top-10 in passing yards (2,998) and touchdowns (30) in Division-II. However, there’s only so much a quarterback can do if his unit is in shambles. Perhaps that’s the reason he didn’t take long before changing ship.

The Mustangs have painfully struggled without a consistent run game and significant defensive struggles under the tutelage of head coach Billy Hickman this season. All nine of the team’s losses came in double digits, with the most being by 59 points vs the Falcons (66-7). The result? More players wanting out.

Deuce Zimmerman, considered one of Alaska’s best wide receivers, also entered the transfer portal a few hours ago with one year left in eligibility. “Thank you Western New Mexico for these amazing past 4 years of my life,” he shared on X. “For the last year of eligibility I will be entering the transfer portal to find a new home!”

While we await where Zimmerman finds himself, let’s look at what Ackerley can expect out of his three years remaining.

There’s an exciting career ahead for Connor Ackerley

It won’t be too far-fetched to imagine Connor playing as a backup for a program like Arizona State or UTEP initially, given his impressive performance this season. For context, ASU OC Marcus Arroyo tends to use smart pocket passing QBs with a rushing threat. Even Cam Skattebo, ASU’s best RB in recent memory, had a similar trajectory, coming from the FCS level. In that sense, Connor Ackerley could have the same path.

Not to mention, Kenny Dillingham doesn’t back down from experimenting with things. But even if ASU doesn’t come, other D1 programs can rally his services.

For now, Ackerley has a solid resume to back himself up. Big numbers, offensive firepower, and being the engine of the offense make him quite an attractive option. A trajectory leading to the FCS level, and then a D1 level can pan out for him easily.