Tom Allen finalizes IU’s QB competition, names full-time starter

Tom Allen has reached a final decision regarding Indiana’s quarterback battle. That decision was announced at Monday’s press conference with Allen announcing Tennessee transfer Tayven Jackson as QB1 moving forward.

The move is not a surprising one after watching his performance in Week 2. Jackson shined while completing 18-of-21 passes for 236 yards against Indiana State. The QB did not find the end zone in the passing game but he scored a rushing touchdown and did not turn the ball over.

Brendan Sorsby — Jackson’s competition in the battle — was just 9-for-16 passing with 108 yards. The discrepancy in efficiency was obvious after neither QB performed well in the season-opening loss to Ohio State.

As for reaching the decision, Allen told the media Jackson “plays better than he practices,” a distinction some guys have. Fortunately, Jackson has made throws with “the lights on” in game time.

The head coach said his staff decided Saturday after evaluating all of the Friday night performances. The decision was announced to both players on Sunday before going public with the news.

Tom Allen on Tayven Jackson: “He plays better than he practices. … Some guys are like that. When the lights are on and the pressure’s on, and you’ve got to make throws.” #iufb

— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) September 11, 2023

Allen says staff decided Saturday. Wanted to evaluate whole game and not make a decision just walking off the field. Sat both QBs down together Sunday to deliver the news. Allen says that’s been his approach to their process since the beginning, felt he owed them that. #iufb

— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) September 11, 2023

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.