Does the name Harrison Bailey sound familiar? It should, as the veteran quarterback started the first part of his long college career with the Tennessee football team. Bailey has been a bit of a journeyman in the college ranks, leaving UT after the 2021 campaign.
He then signed with UNLV and spent one year there before making a move to play for Louisville. While with the Cardinals, Bailey never saw the field - until the last game of the 2024 campaign that is. On New Year's Eve, Bailey got the start with Tyler Shough opting out.
In surprising fashion, Bailey was able to power Louisville over Washington and Jedd Fisch, with his team posting a 35-34 win. In the victory, Bailey tossed for 164 yards and three touchdowns. As you might have been able to guess, he was all smiles after the final whistle:
Harrison Bailey after leading Louisville to a Sun Bowl victory. Bailey is the first Louisville QB to throw for 3 TD in a bowl game since Teddy Bridgewater pic.twitter.com/ltdk4MwdIp
— No Off-Season Sports (@no_offseason1) December 31, 2024
Former Tennessee QB Harrison Bailey powered Louisville to a Sun Bowl win
You know what, good for him. Bailey signed with Tennessee in 2020 as a 4-star prospect and the No. 3 pro-style quarterback in the country. He chose the Vols over additional offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida and many other top programs. It felt like he was going to have a bright future in Knoxville.
Instead, he only appeared in seven games with the Vols, throwing for one touchdown. He transferred to UNLV and things didn't go much better for him there either. He had to wait a long time to make a difference for Louisville, but when he was given his shot, he took full advantage of it.
You've got to feel good for this guy. He was one of the top QBs for his class, but he never lived up to the hype. Despite that, he was able to record an incredible memory by taking down Washington when his team needed him to step up. This has to be a tremendous feeling for him and rightfully so.