CARMEL >> JT Byrne’s second time in the college football transfer portal was brief.

Byrne, who will graduate with a degree in political economy from Cal on Saturday, is headed to Georgia Tech in two weeks to begin the next chapter in his collegiate football career.

“My dream is to play in the National Football League,” Byrne said. “I have a year left of eligibility. I wanted to find the best place for me that fit schematically.”

The 6-foot-6, 258-pound Carmel High graduate spent the last two seasons at Cal, serving as a backup tight end, often being used in short yardage situations and special teams.

“I have nothing but great things to say about the coaching staff and players at Cal,” Bryne insisted. “I had a terrific experience. I’m excited to get my degree.”

Yet, the urge to continue his collegiate football career has become an inferno for Byrne. As soon as the 22-year-old hit the portal, a dozen schools contacted him.

“Did I ever see myself playing in the south or the east coast?” Byrne said. “Not a chance. Honestly, I think my sister inspired me for the change. She expanded herself at 18. I felt I was behind the curve. She’s the best athlete in the family.”

Byrne’s sister Caroline is currently playing volleyball at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she is an outside hitter.

Having started his college career at Oregon State, Byrne entered the transfer portal after his redshirt freshman season, signing with Cal in 2023.

What is lacking from the 2021 Herald Male Athlete of the Year’s resume is a catch in college. In three full seasons, Bryne has yet to have a college reception.

“I told everyone going into this process what was more important for me was finding a place that I can perform well,” Byrne said. “I couldn’t be happier about the fit in this offense.’’

Byrne had taken a trip to Tuscon to visit the University of Arizona before flying out to Atlanta. While he had other visits planned, Georgia Tech’s program sold him on his visit.

“I watched a ton of film of them at Cal since we played a lot of familiar teams in the ACC,” Byrne said. “What I saw on film translated to what they do in practice. Their effort was off the charts when I was at practice. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

The Yellowjackets went 7-5 this past season and will be playing Vanderbilt on Dec. 27 in the Birmingham Bowl.

Georgia Tech is going to lose three tight ends off its roster at the conclusion of the season, with one likely ticketed for the NFL.

“When you’re a graduate transfer, it’s much different,” Byrne said. “I have done this twice. You can have some very transparent conversations. It’s like ‘coach, do I fit in’?”

Apparently, Byrne liked what the staff at Georgia Tech had to say, as he will begin the final chapter in his college career, with an eye on playing on Sunday’s in two years.

“You have to earn every step of the way,” Byrne said. “No matter where you go, you have to compete. I understand how it works. I’m going to go where I believe is the best fit for me.”

A priority for Byrne’s in looking for a new home was finding a place that uses tight ends in multiple places.

“I felt these guys do a great job in doing that,” Byrne said. “The offense Georgia Tech runs translates to what they are doing at the NFL level. I’m excited to join the culture and help them.”

While the transfer portal has become a hotbed for NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals for players, that wasn’t even on Byrne’s radar, as he was seeking playing time to showcase his talents as a receiver and blocker.

During his junior season at Carmel, Byrne caught 48 passes, accounting for 18 touchdowns as a receiver, runner and quarterback in the Gabilan Division.

“I have learned over the years how incredible and amazing it is to grace the field for a Division I program,” Byrne said. “I have learned there is never a time to complain.”

Yet, a desire to be more involved in the offense was a priority going forward for Byrne, who has excelled as a blocking tight end in college.

“I have been so grateful to get on the field,” Byrne said. “It has given me an opportunity to play at Georgia Tech. When it is time to showcase a different aspect of my game, I will be 100 percent ready to do so.”