Ranking Quarterback Rooms: Nebraska Football vs. the Big Ten

With a mostly inexperienced quarterback room, where do the Huskers rank under center among the conference elite?

Oct 21, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs with the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

With the dog days of summer ahead, preparation for the upcoming college football season continues to gear up for teams and fans alike.

All teams have likely cemented their rosters for the coming season, with some slight additions and subtractions to programs coming before the opening kickoff in late August. The Big Ten Conference is no different, despite the changes to the conference landscape over the past year.

With the addition of Washington, Oregon, USC and UCLA, the Big Ten will have a new variety of depth and talent coming to challenge some of the conference's traditional powers. That sentiment carries especially with quarterbacks in the coast-to-coast league.

Teams such as Ohio State, Michigan and Washington are looking to replace last year's starters while rising stars at Nebraska and Minnesota could provide some parity in the Big Ten. With all things being considered, here are some Big Ten quarterback ratings entering the fall camp. This list is meant to encapsulate the entire quarterback room, not just the expected starter.

18. Maryland Terrapins

Nov 4, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback MJ Morris (7) throws a pass during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Carter-Finley Stadium. / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: MJ Morris
For a team expected to replace one of the more prolific quarterbacks in school history in Taulia Tagovailoa, there are more questions than answers so far for Maryland.

Head coach Mike Locksley said his Terps are "still a long way from naming a starter" after spring practices and after seeing redshirt junior Billy Edwards Jr. in action. Maryland also added NC State transfer MJ Morris, who played in nine games with the Wolfpack over two years, completing less than sixty percent of his passes.

Maryland relied on Tagovailoa's prowess to win games in 2023. The Terps may need to rely on the rest of the roster to get to a bowl game in 2024.

17. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Piscataway, NJ -- April 27, 2024 -- Coach Greg Schiano and quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis during Rutgers annual spring football game at SHI Stadium. / Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA

Expected Starter: Athan Kaliakmanis
The former Minnesota Gopher entered the portal and switched sides of the conference, landing near the Big Apple and forcing out the former Scarlet Knight starter.

The previous starter, Gavin Wimsatt, had a breakout year with Rutgers and took his talents to Kentucky. Head coach Greg Schiano gave the go-ahead to Kaliakmanis, a decidedly stronger pocket passer than Wimsatt.

While Kaliakmanis has never lit the field on fire passing - he is just shy of 2,800 passing yards and has only 17 passing touchdowns in 23 games played - Rutgers must feel better about the consistency they can have throwing the ball in 2024. Because of Wimsatt's transfer, they do slide in these rankings.

16. Northwestern Wildcats

Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Ryan Hilinski (3) drops back in the pocket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 17-7. / Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Expected starter: Mike Wright
After a tumultuous offseason in which projected starter Brendan Sullivan departed to Iowa via the portal, Northwestern now looks to rebuild its quarterback room. Backup Ryan Hilinski has some experience entering Week One, including a stint at South Carolina, but will likely give up the job to May transfer Mike Wright out of Vanderbilt.

Wright has started 14 games - including three at Mississippi State, his first stop - tossing 24 touchdown passes and scoring 10 rushing touchdowns. His appearance makes a questionable quarterback room viable to return to a bowl game, especially with new offensive coordinator Zach Lujan leading the charge. The Wildcats finished 2023 averaging 202 passing yards per game, good for seventh in the Big Ten.

15. Illinois Fighting Illini

Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) passes the ball during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Luke Altmyer
In terms of depth, Illinois is not in a terrible position. Returning starter Luke Atlmyer grew in his first season leading the Illini, but after only nine starts and ending his season with an injury and being relegted to a backup role, plenty of questions still remain.

He will be pushed by Donovan Leary, who by all accounts had a strong spring and may be ready to take over the team if given the chance. Altmyer did finish his season strong throwing 10 touchdown to three interceptions in his final six games.

The former Ole Miss transfer could take a step forward or could be called upon to lift the offense if the reins are given to Leary.

14. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Dec 26, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter of their game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ford Field. / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Max Brosmer
Admittedly, this pick could fly up the rankings. However, too many variables stack against Minnesota to comfortably fit the Gophers' new quarterback into an higher tier of the conference's best.

However, Max Brosmer - the New Hampshire graduate transfer - was already named a captain in the spring by his peers, and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as one of the nation's top players in the FCS last season.

The Wildcats relied on Brosmer's 56-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past two seasons in their pass-first offense. How much more can he provide to a Gopher offense that finished 11th in the conference in passing yards? With last year's starter Athan Kailakmanis transferring, depth may be a concern as two freshmen sit behind Brosmer.

13. Iowa Hawkeyes

Sep 16, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws a pass against the Western Michigan Broncos during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Cade McNamara
A new offensive coordinator could finally lift the curse of the Hawkeyes' offensive troubles.

While McNamara's experience pushes him up the list, Iowa's lack of big-play potential drops the Hawkeyes to the second half of the conference. Deacon Hill transferred out as Northwestern's Brendan Sullivan came in. Sullivan does provide stability in case of another McNamara injury.

If the former Wolverine stays healthy and adjusts to the new offense, Iowa could recover from two woeful offensive seasons.

12. Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Mike Katic (56) celebrates with Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) after a touchdown during the Indiana football spring game at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, April 18, 2024. / Bobby Goddin/Herald-Times / USA TODAY

Expected Starter: Kurtis Rourke
After developing from a two-star recruit to a sought-out graduate transfer, Rourke aims to bring his three years of starting experience from the Mid-American Conference to the Big Ten.

After claiming the MAC Offensive Player of the Year honor with Ohio, Rourke leads an interesting group of quarterbacks that includes former starter Tayven Jackson.

Rourke is coming off a knee injury that slowed him in 2023, but a healthy Rourke could surprise some of the Big Ten. If he is hampered again, Jackson would need to take a step up to lead the Hoosiers back to bowl eligibility.

11. UCLA Bruins

Dec 16, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) throws a pass against the Boise State Broncos during the third quarter of the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Ethan Garbers
Garbers leads the pack of quarterbacks for the Bruins in 2024, as former starter Dante Moore entered the portal to join Oregon (more on him later).

In the final four games of the season, Garbers threw 11 touchdown passes with no interceptions. However, a tough slate to open the year could spell a change early if Garbers struggles.

Redshirt junior Collin Schlee also showcased playmaking skills in the bowl game against Boise State, and with two freshman quarterbacks also in the fold, the depth and talent mixed with experience is a good fit for UCLA's first year in a new conference.

10. Michigan Wolverines

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Alex Orji
The defending national champion will have plenty of question marks to answer in 2024. That begins with who will take the snaps under center.

Orji saw spot duty in run-heavy packages last season and has not attempted a pass yet for Michigan. He continues to battle highly touted freshman Jadyn Davis for the starting spot, but expect the experienced Orji to take the lead at first.

The potential for Michigan's run-first offense is high, but quarterbacks will have some big shoes to fill after J.J. McCarthy's departure.

9. Purdue Boilermakers

Nov 25, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) throws a pass during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Hudson Card
The former Texas transfer hopes to keep some of the offensive momentum from his first year with the Boilermakers.

Card threw 15 touchdown passes in 2023, which placed him sixth in the conference. To reach that next tier of Big Ten quarterbacks, Card will be asked to take a step up in new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell's offense. Harrell was a disciple of the Mike Leach offense from his playing days with Texas Tech, potentially setting up Card for a big year.

Behind Card, two freshmen provide depth, including Ryan Browne, who saw action in one game where he looked efficient against Northwestern.

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Chandler quarterback Dylan Raiola throws during a scrimmage against Williams Field High in Gilbert. / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY

Expected Starter: Dylan Raiola
While the nod could go to the experienced Heinrich Haarberg, most signs lead to the five-star freshman receiving significant playing time at some point in his first season with the Big Red.

Haarberg won all five games for the Huskers in 2023, and his running ability allowed him to lead Nebraska in rushing last season. However, to expand the offense and limit turnovers, Matt Rhule may hand the keys to one of the most highly-anticipated recruits in Nebraska's history.

Add in recent additions such as fellow freshman Daniel Kaelin and NAIA Player of the Year Jalyn Gramstad, and Nebraska has reason to feel excited about improvement under center heading into 2024.

7. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State's Aidan Chiles throws a pass during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA

Expected Starter: Aidan Chiles
First-year Spartan head coach Jonathan Smith brought his quarterback with him to East Lansing from Oregon State, as Aidan Chiles brings his talents to the Big Ten.

Chiles could be the next best Big Ten quarterback, as he accounted for seven touchdowns (four passing, three rushing) during his freshman season in Corvallis in which he played in nine games. The team did lose two quarterbacks in the portal, but the Spartans likely feel comfortable with Chiles as the go-to option for 2024.

Behind Chiles, however, are unproven commodities, including three-star recruit Alessio Milivojevic. He was considered a rising quarterback after a strong senior season.

6. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke throws a pass during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024. / Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal

Expected Starter: Tyler Van Dyke
Van Dyke was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the country after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards as a freshman in 2021. But, after three different offensive coordinators in Miami, Van Dyke elected to transfer to the fast-spaced spread of Wisconsin's new pass-happy offense.

The biggest question for the second year in the new system: Can Van Dyke lead the Badgers to a more efficient season in 2024? Tanner Mordecai was able to finish sixth in the conference with 2,066 passing yards but tossed only nine touchdowns in 10 games. The former Badger transferred out after last season.

Backup Brayedn Locke can also step up when needed, playing in five games in 2023 with five touchdowns to one interception.

5. USC Trojans

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at Petco Park. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Miller Moss
This Top Five selection may be more of a nod to the ability of Lincoln Riley as a quarterback whisperer and recruiter. Considering his past signal callers include Baker Mayfield, Caleb Williams, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, Spencer Rattler and others, Riley deserves credibility when working with newer faces.

Moss was a star in the Trojans' bowl win over Louisville, completing 23 of 33 passes for 372 yards and six touchdowns with an interception - a game in which Williams sat due to his NFL draft stock.

Spring reports say Moss was "lights out" in practices, fending off sophomore UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava. Maiava threw for 3,000 yards his freshman season, giving Riley another talented signal caller to turn to if Moss falters. A lot of upside for a quarterback room with less film.

4. Washington Huskies

Nov 23, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) reacts during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Will Rogers
No program in the Big Ten is going through as much change as the Washington Huskies - including their quarterbacks.

After a season that had the Huskies in the national title game, coach Kalen DeBoer left the program to lead Alabama and a prolific passing attack took a hit when quarterback Michael Penix departed to the NFL. Instead, the next wave for Washington under Jedd Fisch will rely on former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers.

Rogers was a budding star in the Air-Raid system with the Bulldogs under the late Mike Leach, but a change in offensive philosophy stagnated his final year in the SEC with 12 touchdown passes compared to 71 in his prior two years.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass against the Mississippi Rebels in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Expected Starter: Drew Allar
It has to be comforting for a fan base to have a five-star recruit who put up solid numbers in his first season, but much more is expected from Allar to take Penn State into the upper echelon of college football.

A new offensive coordinator could create more big-time passing moments for Allar, as backup Beau Pribula also saw action in 11 games as a rushing threat.

The Nittany Lions finished sixth in the Big Ten in passing yards, but led the conference in passing touchdowns and tossed just two interceptions. Only completing 59% of their passes limited them to 215 passing yards per game, as Penn State may look to open up its offense further in 2024.

If Allar and the offense take the next step, the College Football Playoff is well within reach.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) of the scarlet team throws a pass to running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the first half of the LifeSports spring football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch /

Expected Starter: Will Howard
Although head coach Ryan Day won't budge on updates to his quarterback battle, it is safe to assume the Buckeyes' championship-caliber roster is ready for whoever takes over the reins from departing starter Kyle McCord.

Howard, a grad transfer from Kansas State, has been the most-proven commodity on campus since his arrival, having a pedigree of success with the Wildcats including 24 games played, nearly 6,000 passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns.

If Day wants to go younger, his treasure trove of riches continues with junior Devin Brown back in another camp battle after falling short to McCord last season. Sophomore Lincoln Keinholz could also compete, while five-star freshman Julian Sayin also is an option. It is safe to say Ohio State could remain at the top of these ratings regardless of who receives the first snap.

1. Oregon Ducks

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws during warmups ahead of the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

Expected Starter: Dillon Gabriel.
A no-brainer for college football fans. Gabriel is expected to be a Heisman front-runner, as the former Oklahoma signal caller replaces first-round NFL draft pick Bo Nix. If the Big Ten schedule becomes too wearing on the up-tempo former Sooner, the Ducks can turn to UCLA transfer and former five-star recruit Dante Moore.

Expect Gabriel to put up career numbers in Eugene and have Oregon competing for a conference and national championship. If Gabriel goes down, the Ducks may miss a beat but are better suited to rebound with Moore.

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