Examining every B1G QB room based on transfer portal needs

Welcome to the college football offseason, where the transfer portal action is a key storyline throughout December!

That’s true across the board but especially as it relates to the quarterback position. With many seasons and head coaching decisions resting on the success of the QB, decisions related to the position are more important than ever.

Within the B1G, a number of teams are looking to the portal, either for depth to the QB room or for a starter and future star. Other teams have a more stable outlook under center, but all it takes is one decision to shake things up this time of year.

As the portal action continues to heat up, here is a breakdown of every QB room in the B1G and an early projected starter for the 2024 season:

Illinois

Key pieces: Luke Altmyer

Luke Altmyer was Illinois’ starter for much of the year. He showed an ability to make plays with the offense, but he did struggle with turnovers throughout the year. John Paddock came on in relief of Altmyer in the Minnesota game and started the final 3 games of the season with some electric results but he is gone for 2024. The Illini shouldn’t be worried about opening the 2024 season with Altmyer, but Bret Bielema’s staff shouldn’t feel tied down if someone is available in the portal.

Predicted 2024 starter: Altmyer

Indiana

Key pieces: Tayven Jackson

Brendan Sorsby and Tayven Jackson alternated playing time early in the season before Sorsby eventually took control of the starting spot. He has since hit the transfer portal and is off to Cincinnati since the firing of Tom Allen and the hiring of Curt Cignetti. Dexter Williams II has also hit the portal after missing the 2023 season. Jackson had 3 total touchdowns but 5 interceptions when he did play this season, and it’s always possible a new head coach wants a change at the QB spot.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Iowa

Key pieces: Cade McNamara, Deacon Hill

Both Cade McNamara and Deacon Hill arrived via the transfer portal last offseason. Hill was arguably an acquisition for depth in the QB room, but pre-season injuries to Joe Labas and McNamara opened the door for Hill. Even with McNamara’s season-ending injury, it’s unlikely Iowa will make another splashy portal move at the position this season. Any acquisition for the Hawkeyes will probably be a depth one as the team prioritizes McNamara’s rehab and Hill’s development in the offseason with a new OC.

Predicted 2024 starter: McNamara

Maryland

Key pieces: Billy Edwards Jr., Cameron Edge

Mike Locksley has a decision to make this offseason with Taulia Tagovailoa wrapping up his record-breaking career. It’s possible Billy Edwards Jr. (or Cameron Edge) is the answer moving forward, but that would be risky, to say the least. Edwards’ most playing time came in 2022 following an injury to Tagovailoa but he mainly saw action in 2023 as a short-yardage rusher. The Terrapins are likely to at least investigate the portal for a potential starter.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Michigan

Key pieces: JJ McCarthy, Alex Orji

Michigan’s entire outlook on the QB position depends on JJ McCarthy and whether or not he wants to head to the NFL Draft after this season. At this point in the process, it seems likely he will return to Ann Arbor for another season. Either way, Michigan should be able to find an option in the transfer portal if needed after the kind of success the Wolverines have achieved in recent seasons.

Predicted 2024 starter: McCarthy

Michigan State

Key pieces: None

Michigan State’s QB room clarified Jonathan Smith’s need for a starter with Sam Leavitt, Katin Houser and Noah Kim all opting for the transfer portal. Aidan Chiles (from Oregon State) is an option expected to follow Smith to East Lansing. Either way, the Spartans will need some additional pieces from the portal (provided no player withdraws to stay at Michigan State), so expect the 2024 starter to come from outside the program.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Minnesota

Key pieces: None

Athan Kaliakmanis started all 12 games for the Golden Gophers this season, and he was the only player on the roster to complete a pass in 2023. It’s unlikely his performance this season nets him a better destination (unless he sees a better fit in terms of the scheme in the portal), so this might be a scenario where PJ Fleck and Minnesota always planned to bring in the competition via the portal.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Nebraska

Key pieces: Heinrich Haarberg, Chubba Purdy

Nebraska had a host of turnover problems from the QB position a season ago, so it will not be surprising if Matt Rhule adds from the portal, even with the high cost of the position. Jeff Sims is expected to leave the Huskers, and a surprising name in former Ohio State starter Kyle McCord is gaining traction for a potential move to Nebraska.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Northwestern

Key pieces: Brendan Sullivan

Even with Ben Bryant departing, Northwestern knows it can win games with Brendan Sullivan under center. Don’t count the Wildcats out from adding more pieces at the position, but it’s not always likely Northwestern will find an immediate upgrade from the current situation.

Predicted 2024 starter: Sullivan

Ohio State

Key pieces: Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz

There is perhaps no better picture for this wild era of college football than Ohio State’s current QB situation. Kyle McCord went 11-1 in his first year as the starter but opted for the transfer portal at the end of the regular season. The reasons why could be debated, but expect Ryan Day to go get a (perceived) upgrade in the portal.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB

Penn State

Key pieces: Drew Allar, Beau Pribula

Penn State operated throughout the season with Drew Allar as the starter but with a package of plays in place for Beau Pribula. There has not been any indication either player (or the program) is unhappy with the performance of those players this season. They should run it back with some tantalizing possibilities for new OC Andy Kotelnicki.

Predicted 2024 starter: Allar

Purdue

Key pieces: Hudson Card

Hudson Card did throw 8 interceptions this season, but he was far from the biggest issue for Purdue. The Boilermakers will not be worried if they run it back with Card as the starter, but the depth in the QB room could be something to consider. The team can win games with Card leading the offense, and he ended the season with his 2 best performances.

Predicted 2024 starter: Card

Rutgers

Key pieces: Gavin Wimsatt

Rutgers did lose Evan Simon to the portal and he was a veteran backup with experience. However, this job still looks like Gavin Wimsatt’s, even considering his 47.8% completion percentage this season. Part of that is related to his 488 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. Unexpected options cropping up in the portal are a part of this new age of college football, but Greg Schiano is probably fine with Wimsatt as his starter.

Predicted 2024 starter: Wimsatt

Wisconsin

Key pieces: Braedyn Locke, Nick Evers

Phil Longo’s offense was a work in progress for much of the 2023 season, and part of that was undoubtedly related to injuries. Tanner Mordecai was largely “fine” but a 6.2 average yards per pass was indicative of a non-explosive passing game, and that average dipped to 5.1 with Braedyn Locke in the game. Mordecai’s time is up after 2023, and it’s unlikely Luke Fickell is fine with the current pieces in place after a 7-5 debut in Madison.

Predicted 2024 starter: Portal QB