There’s quarterback turnover, and there’s what’s happening with the 2024 Big Ten at the position. Michigan lost JJ McCarthy to the NFL, Maryland will be without Taulia Tagovailoa, and Ohio State lost starting quarterback Kyle McCord to Syracuse. In former times, though, the losses wouldn’t be that bad for the league.And then there are the new guys.USC lost Caleb Williams. Washington said goodbye to Michael Penix Jr. Oregon lost Bo Nix, and UCLA saw former star recruit Dante Moore leave for the Ducks.Across the new 18-team league, though – among the likely starters – are nine high-end players from the transfer portal, a few other transfers who should be solid, and superstar freshman prospect or two, and a few veterans looking to prove something big. The Big Ten is just fine at quarterback, and here’s how the depth charts – unofficial depth charts, by the way; these are our projections – look at the moment for each team.
Illinois Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Luke Altmyer, Jr. Projected Backup: Donovan Leary, Soph. OR Cal Swanson, RFr. Freshman/New Recruit: None Transfers Lost: None Starter Situation: Altmyer is a former Ole Miss transfer who was fine last year, but isn’t so good that he can’t be beaten out if one of the backup options rocks in fall camp.
Indiana Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Kurtis Rourke (Ohio), Sr. Projected Backup: Tayven Jackson, Soph. Freshman/New Recruit: Tyler Cherry Transfers Lost: Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) Starter Situation: It’s a nice quarterback room. Jackson is a dangerous option who’ll still make a push, but Rourke is a fantastic transfer who could’ve started at several big places. Cherry is a strong recruit.
Iowa Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Cade McNamara, Sr. Projected Backup: Deacon Hill, Jr. Freshman/New Recruit: James Resar Transfers Lost: Joe Labas (Central Michigan), Spencer Petras (Utah State) Starter Situation: McNamara has the gig all to himself as long as he stays healthy. Reser is good enough to make a big push for the No. 2 spot.
Maryland Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: MJ Morris (NC State), Soph. Projected Backup: Billy Edwards, Jr. OR Cameron Edge, Soph. Freshman/New Recruit: Khristian Martin Transfers Lost: None Starter Situation: Morris should be the star of the Maryland offense for the next few years. Everyone else is jockeying for the backup gig.
Michigan Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Alex Orji, Soph. Projected Backup: Jayden Denegal, Soph. OR Jack Tuttle, Sr. Freshman/New Recruit: Jadyn Davis Transfers Lost: None Starter Situation: Orji will get every shot to take over the attack – the skills and upside are tremendous. There’s a good fight for the 2, but Denegal will likely grab the spot. Davis is a big-time recruit who’ll get a seriously long look.
Michigan State Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Aidan Chiles (Oregon State), Soph. Projected Backup: Tommy Schuster (North Dakota), Sr. Freshman/New Recruit: Alessio Milivojevic (St. Francis), Ryland Jessee Transfers Lost: Noah Kim (Coastal Carolina), Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) Starter Situation: Jonathan Smith and the new coaching staff upgraded the quarterback situation in a huge way. Chiles was a great get for Oregon State – he’s a dynamic starting prospect – and Schuster is a solid backup option coming in.
Minnesota Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Max Brosmer (New Hampshire), Sr. Projected Backup: Drake Lindsey, Fr. Freshman/New Recruit: Lindsey Transfers Lost: Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers), Drew Viotto (Eastern Michigan) Starter Situation: There’s an overhaul happening. Brosmer is a big-time passer from New Hampshire who has the job, and he needs to be great. It’s a thin situation behind him.
Nebraska Quarterback Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Dylan Raiola, Fr. Projected Backup: Heinrich Haarberg, Jr. OR Daniel Kaelin, Fr. Freshman/New Recruit: Raiola, Daniel Kaelin Transfers Lost: Chubba Purdy (Nevada), Jeff Sims (Undecided) Starter Situation: The hype is off the charts for Raiola, but there’s no real experience in the mix if something happens. It’s his program to take over.
