CFB notebook: Ole Miss’ Patterson to transfer to Michigan

University of Mississippi quarterback Shea Patterson announced on Twitter Monday that he will transfer to Michigan, where he might be eligible in 2018 due to NCAA sanctions against the Rebels’ program.

Patterson, a former five-star recruit, completed 166 of 260 passes for 2,259 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games as a sophomore this season. His campaign was cut short by a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Because Ole Miss was recently hit with an additional year of a bowl ban, amid other sanctions, seniors can transfer and be immediately eligible in 2018. Other transfers out of Ole Miss must apply for a waiver in order to play in 2018, but those seem likely to be granted.

Either way, Patterson is a nice addition for coach Jim Harbaugh, who has struggled at the quarterback position in his three seasons in Ann Arbor. Patterson (6-foot-2, 203 pounds) is a pro-style passer who should fit into Michigan’s style of offense.

–Pittsburgh junior safety Jordan Whitehead announced on social media that he will enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

Whitehead (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) has been listed as the No. 1 free safety for the 2019 NFL Draft, according to NFLDraftScout.com.

Whitehead, who was suspended for the first three games this season because of a violation of team rules, made 60 tackles and broke up four passes in nine games this season. Those totals didn’t live up to his previous seasons.

–Florida A&M has tabbed Willie Simmons to be the next head coach of its football team, multiple outlets reported.

Simmons has served as the head coach at Prairie View A&M for the last three seasons. The 37-year-old native of Tallahassee, Fla., posted a 21-11 mark during that span, with a 6-5 record this past season.

Simmons will replace Alex Wood, who resigned on Nov. 25 after going 8-25 in the previous three seasons. The Rattlers recorded a 3-8 mark this season and were 2-6 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.