There’s really no polite way to put it, Northwestern’s quarterback situation was a disaster in 2019. Hunter Johnson never really got into a rhythm, TJ Green suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the year and Aidan Smith and Andrew Marty weren’t viable solutions, either.

Struggles under center has prompted head coach Pat Fitzgerald to look into the NCAA transfer portal to try and find someone who might be able to remedy some of those issues. If nothing else, adding a little quality depth to the position certainly wouldn’t hurt.

According to a report from 247Sports, former USC quarterback Jack Sears is looking to take a visit to Northwestern soon, considering Evanston a potential landing spot. He played in just one game with the Trojans, but would have two years of eligibility remaining and would be immediately able to play as a graduate transfer.

Sears played in one game for USC last season, completing 20-of-28 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-35 loss to Arizona State.

But Sears isn’t the only option Northwestern is considering to address the quarterback situation. According to Mike Schumann of The Daily Hoosier, the Wildcats are also interested in former Indiana gunslinger Peyton Ramsey. who was a three-year starter for the Hoosiers.

Ramsey is also a graduate transfer and would have one year of eligibility remaining.

Ramsey is the more seasoned quarterback of the two, having played in 32 career games at IU. His dual-threat ability would be a huge asset for the Wildcats, which struggled to do anything productive offensively last season.

In 2019, Ramsey lost the starting job to Michael Penix Jr. but was pushed back under center when Penix sustained a season-ending injury. Ramsey threw for 2,454 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing passes at a 68 percent clip. He also rushed for 252 yards and seven touchdowns, leading Indiana to an 8-5 season and an appearance in the Gator Bowl.

Northwestern used four quarterbacks last season and ranked last in the B1G in passing yardage (1,404 yards), completion percentage (50.0 percent), touchdown passes (6) and interceptions (15).