Rutgers lands transfer pledge from B1G QB, starter in 2023
Rutgers just wrapped up its best season and first bowl win since the 2014 season. Now, the Scarlet Knights are working to improve the roster for the 2024 season.
In the process, Greg Schiano’s program landed a key transfer commitment from a quarterback who spent the 2023 season as a starter in the B1G. The move comes from Athan Kaliakmanis, Minnesota’s starter for all 12 games as the Golden Gophers went 5-7 in the regular season.
Kaliakmanis spent 3 seasons in the Minnesota program as a member of the 2021 recruiting class. He originally committed to the Gophers in the spring of 2019 and was recruited to the program during Kirk Ciarrocca’s first stint at Minnesota.
Ciarrocca was back with the Gophers for the 2022 season but left to join Schiano at Rutgers, his second tenure with the Scarlet Knights on Schiano’s staff. Now, Kaliakmanis will team back up with Ciarrocca.
Thank you Coach Schiano and Coach Ciarrocca for the opportunity. Let’s Chop🪓🪓 #Committed @RFootball @GregSchiano @KirkCiarrocca pic.twitter.com/sMYt9wri9T
— Athan Kaliakmanis (@aajk_23) January 2, 2024
The addition of Kaliakmanis should improve the roster of the Scarlet Knights, but it is an interesting move with Gavin Wimsatt expected back with the program for 2024. He was the starter for Rutgers this season and while his accuracy as a passer struggled, he brought the added element of being a dual-threat under center.
Whether Kaliakmanis competes in an open competition for the starting job or serves as a change-of-pace package with the offense remains to be seen. Still, it’s a nice win for Rutgers and improves the depth for Schiano entering a crucial 2024 campaign.