The college football landscape is ever-evolving, and the quarterback position is no exception. Coaches and programs are increasingly relying on transfers rather than developing homegrown talent, leading to a dynamic and ever-changing quarterback room. This article delves into the last quarterback signed, developed, and retained by each Big Ten team, shedding light on the strategies and outcomes of these decisions.
The Big Ten's QB Landscape
The Big Ten, known for its competitive nature, has seen a mix of success stories and challenges when it comes to quarterback development. Here's a breakdown of each team's approach:
Illinois
- Nathan Scheelhaase: A productive four-year starter, Scheelhaase left Illinois in 2013 as the program's all-time leader in total offense. He is now an up-and-coming NFL head-coaching candidate.
- Katin Houser: ECU transfer who began his career at Michigan State. Illinois is trying to replicate the success of Luke Altmyer, a transfer from Ole Miss.
Indiana
- Nate Sudfeld: Led the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdowns in 2015. Sudfeld is the last homegrown starter to spend his entire career at Indiana.
- Michael Penix Jr.: A top-10 NFL Draft pick in 2024, Penix transferred to Washington.
- Brendan Sorsby: Another highly coveted transfer, Sorsby moved to Cincinnati and now Texas Tech.
Iowa
- Nate Stanley: Posted strong numbers over three seasons as a starter, ranking second in program history in passing yards and touchdowns.
- Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski: Transfers competing for the starting role in 2026.
Maryland
- Perry Hills: A three-star prospect who started 26 games for the Terrapins.
- Malik Washington: A true freshman in 2025, Washington could be the next homegrown starter.
Michigan
- J.J. McCarthy: Led the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023 and became a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2024.
- Bryce Underwood: A former five-star recruit who just wrapped up his first season as the starter.
Michigan State
- Brian Lewerke: Mark Dantonio's last starting quarterback, holding the single-game record for passing yards.
- Payton Thorne: Transferred to Auburn after leading MSU to 11-2 in 2021.
- Alessio Milivojevic: Flashing potential last season, could be the long-term answer.
Minnesota
- Tanner Morgan: Enjoyed a successful run as the starter, with an 11-win season in 2019 and nine-win seasons in 2021 and 2022.
- Drake Lindsey: Encouraging debut season as the starter in 2025.
Nebraska
- Tommy Armstrong Jr.: Led the Cornhuskers to three nine-win seasons, with a career that has aged impressively.
- Adrian Martinez and Dylan Raiola: Hyped quarterbacks who didn't produce expected results, eventually transferring.
Northwestern
- Clayton Thorson: Topped the school's career passing list with 10,731 yards.
- Aidan Chiles: Another transfer, Chiles will start for the Wildcats this year.
Ohio State
- C.J. Stroud: A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, Stroud led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff in 2022.
- Kyle McCord: Transferred to Syracuse after one season as the starter.
- Will Howard: Another transfer, Howard led Ohio State to a national championship in 2024.
- Julian Sayin: A transfer who counts as a transfer due to his original signing with Alabama.
Oregon
- Justin Herbert: Won a Rose Bowl in 2019, a great development story for the Ducks.
- Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and Dante Moore: High-level transfers who have produced at a high level.
Penn State
- Drew Allar: Started for three years and guided the Nittany Lions to a CFP semifinal appearance in 2024.
- Rocco Becht: Slated to start this fall, brought in by new coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State.
Purdue
- Aidan O'Connell: Won 17 games over two seasons as the starter, reaching the Big Ten title game in 2022.
- Ryan Browne: Signed with the Boilermakers in 2023 and transferred to North Carolina, only to return to Purdue.
Rutgers
- Gary Nova: Started three seasons, the best Rutgers has had in recent years.
- Athan Kaliakmanis: A transfer from Minnesota, competing for the job against incoming transfer Dylan Lonergan.
UCLA
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Led the Bruins in 2022, when they were in Pac-12 title contention.
- Dante Moore: Transferred to Oregon after hitting a wall in his freshman season.
- Nico Iamaleava: Slated to start for new head coach Bob Chesney this fall.
USC
- Sam Darnold: The last signal caller to sign with USC, become the starter, and finish his career there.
- Caleb Williams: Won the Heisman Trophy and nearly led the Trojans to the College Football Playoff in 2022.
Washington
- Jake Browning: Led the Huskies to multiple bowl games and Pac-12 titles.
- Jacob Eason, Michael Penix Jr., Will Rogers, and Demond Williams Jr.: Transfers who have played key roles.
Wisconsin
- Joel Stave: Won 31 games as the Badgers' starter, ranking second in career passing yards and touchdowns.
- Alex Hornibrook and Jack Coan: Transfers who enjoyed team success after Stave.
- Graham Mertz: A significant recruiting win who never played up to expectations, transferring out.
- Colton Joseph: An Old Dominion transfer trying to buck recent injury trends.
