Cole Pennington brings efficient arm talent and a high-ceiling QB pedigree to Gardner-Webb
Pennington is a transfer quarterback with real-game experience at Marshall, where he showed he can handle volume and keep an offense on schedule, highlighted by a 2023 season with 695 passing yards in four games and a 2024 cameo that included a touchdown and zero interceptions.[1][2] His appeal is less about gaudy counting stats and more about poise, touch, and upside — he has NFL bloodlines, has flashed better efficiency in limited action, and gives Gardner-Webb a developmental passer who can operate within structure while still offering room to grow.[2][8][17]
