PISCATAWAY -- Because the NCAA's immediately eligible graduate transfer rule has brought free agency to college sports, it's the most logical way for Rutgers to immediately replace recently dismissed quarterback Tylin Oden.

But, in sticking with the pro sports analogy, there is no cap space.

In other words, Rutgers has no scholarship to offer a graduate transfer even if it wanted to add one, though coach Chris Ash made it clear Thursday that Oden's dismissal for violation of team rules "doesn't at all" put Rutgers in the market for a veteran quarterback to supply depth.

"We're short right now, but it is what it is," Ash said. "We've got two scholarship quarterbacks and another one coming in in (2017 recruit) Johnathan Lewis. But we're not in the market for a grad transfer QB. We don't have any scholarships for one."

Rutgers is looking for a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix.

As it stands today, with seven practices and the Scarlet-White scrimmage still left to complete in spring camp, Rutgers has three quarterbacks on its roster.

Only two of them -- returning five-game starter Giovanni Rescigno and redshirt senior backup Zach Allen -- are viable options to see any game action this fall, while redshirt senior Troy Anthony is a walk-on who adds valuable depth.

Oden, who played in six games as a true freshman in 2016, was considered the future of the quarterback position before the highly touted Lewis of St. Peter's Prep joined the 2017 recruiting class.

"We have standards and a culture that we expect out of our players and we have to make tough decisions at times," Ash said in addressing the move for the first time. "I like Tylin. I wish him nothing but the best of luck. We'll do anything we can to help him around."

In 2009, when Big East champion Cincinnati finished the regular season with a 12-0 record, the Bearcats cycled through four quarterbacks. That was the same total used last year by Maryland, which saw four signal callers attempt 30 or more passes en route to a season that resulted in a bowl berth.

Rutgers QB Tylin Oden takes the blame



It's not all that unusual for college football teams to employ three or more quarterbacks both out of necessity (due to injuries) or because of ineffectiveness.

One year after having eight quarterbacks -- including a seemingly excessive six on scholarship -- in spring camp, Rutgers is left with the seemingly low total of three.

After the offseason transfers of Chris Laviano, Hayden Rettig and Mike Dare, Rescigno and Lewis are expected to compete for the starting job in the preseason.

If it sounds far-fetched to add a grad-transfer this late in the offseason, consider Allen didn't decide to transfer from TCU and commit to Rutgers until the first week of June last year.

Allen -- a rare two-year graduate transfer -- completed just 1-of-12 passes in two games in 2016.

While the market isn't exactly overflowing with options, there are experienced quarterbacks available, the most notable being former Notre Dame starter Malik Zaire (who is reportedly down to Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Baylor) and former Duke signal-caller Thomas Sirk (who reportedly visited South Carolina last weekend).

In addition to signing a 29-player recruiting class -- some of whom count against last year's scholarship total because of early enrollment -- Rutgers has committed scholarships to transfer running back Gus Edwards (Miami) and transfer cornerback Juwuan Briscoe (Georgia).

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.