The East Carolina Pirates added quarterback Mike Wright via the transfer portal last week, filling a critical position. Wright, who will make Greenville his fourth college stop, has played previously at Vanderbilt (2020-22), Mississippi State (2023), and Northwestern (2024).
Wright brings valuable experience from both the SEC and Big Ten, starting five games for Vanderbilt in 2021 and six in 2022, including a 4-2 record as a starter that helped turn around the team. He also started games at Mississippi State and Northwestern, totaling 16 career starts.
Despite Wright’s experience, East Carolina’s current starter, Katin Houser, is unlikely to lose his spot. Houser, who had seven starts at Michigan State before joining ECU, led the Pirates to a 5-1 finish last season, throwing for over 267 yards per game and 18 touchdowns. With Houser recovering from offseason wrist surgery, he is expected to be the starter for the season opener against NC State.
Wright’s addition adds depth to the quarterback position, which was thinned when Jake Garcia transferred in mid-April. The only other quarterback with playing experience is Raheim Jeter, who has thrown just two passes.
Beyond depth, Wright offers ECU a mobile option in certain packages. He’s rushed for 1,313 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career, with standout performances at Vanderbilt, including a 163-yard game against Hawaii in 2022. Wright’s speed makes him a potential asset in short-yardage or goal-line situations, and his presence could help boost ECU’s running game after the loss of star running back Rahjai Harris.
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