Athan Kaliakmanis entering transfer portal: Who will be Gophers QB in 2024?

Kaliakmanis' decision leaves the Gophers with several internal options, which is why the transfer portal may be the most likely place to find the next Minnesota QB.

Athan Kaliakmanis announced Tuesday that he's going to enter the NCAA transfer portal, and just hours later third string quarterback, freshman Drew Viotto, did the same. 

Who fill the starting job in 2024 is now very much up in the air, with the Gophers tasked with either rapidly developing young quarterbacks or hoping to strike gold in the transfer portal. 

Minnesota's backup QB this year has been Cole Kramer, who is a logical choice to start at quarterback in whatever bowl game the Gophers are awarded. Kramer has one year of eligibility remaining so he could be back with the team in 2024. 

With Viotto departing, the only other scholarship quarterback set to return is current walk-on freshman Max Shikenjanski, who was a standout at Stillwater High School in the Twin Cities metro area. 

Drake Lindsey, a three-star recruit who has thrown 51 touchdown passes and only two interceptions this season at Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, is another option. Lindsey will be playing for a state championship on Saturday. 

To recap: Kramer, Shikenjanksi and Lindsey are the ONLY options right now. 

That's why the portal seems like the most likely place the 2024 Gophers starting QB will be found. There are already a bunch of quarterbacks who have announced plans to transfer, including FCS passing yards leader Max Brosmer, who is leaving New Hampshire after throwing for 3,449 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. 

Brosmer confirmed Monday that he has received an offer from the Gophers. 

Other quarterbacks to enter the portal include, among others: 

• Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
• A.J. Swann, Vanderbilt
• Sam Leavitt, Michigan State
• Nate Johnson, Utah
• Max Johnson, Texas A&M
• Ken Seals, Vanderbilt
• Spencer Petras, Iowa

None of the above names have been linked to the Gophers. 

Meanwhile, college football free agency (NIL money) is in full effect. Washington State's Cam Ward hasn't even entered the portal and he's reportedly received at least 10 offers of $1 million to transfer. 

Former Washington QB @BrockHuard says Wazzu star QB Cam Ward has up to ten $1mil offers to transfer.

Schools that have supposedly contacted him are Oregon, Washington, Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Auburn.

If Ward decides to move on from Pullman, a school will be instant… pic.twitter.com/wrle6E4jUd

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) November 28, 2023

Whoever is tasked with taking snaps under center at Minnesota in 2024 will have a big job to help lead a passing offense that is ranked 123rd in the nation at just 153.2 yards per game. 

Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) passes against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium.  / Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports