Rutgers' quarterback Gavin Wimsatt enters transfer portal

Rutgers University, College, Featured, Football

May 1, 2024

Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt officially entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. The breaking news came from Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, who named Athan Kallakmanis the team’s starting quarterback. Kaliakmanis, who played at the University of Minnesota, transferred to Rutgers to compete for the starting job this offseason. Last Saturday, Rutgers held their spring game, where Wimsatt was heavily featured. Days later, he is leaving Rutgers with two years of eligibility remaining.

"Me and Athan do a good job, as well, not getting too caught up in [the competition]," Wimsatt said after the spring game last Saturday. "We're competing, but we pick each other's brains and don't let it affect us off the field. He's a great guy. He's lifted our room a great amount with his experience."

Sources: Rutgers has named Minnesota transfer QB Athan Kaliakmanis the starting quarterback. Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt, who started 18 games the last two years, has initiated the process of entering the transfer portal and will have two years of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/rPcJOLAoU1

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 1, 2024

Throughout the camp, the quarterback competition was wide open. After the spring game, the duo looked nearly identical, performing exceptionally well in front of their home crowd. That said, Schiano clarified that he would share that with the world whenever he decided on a starting signal caller. Ironically, the decision was made for him with the sudden news of Wimsatt's transfer.

“When I finally make the announcement of who (the starter) is, everyone will know, but until then, it’ll just be what it is: a competition,” head coach Greg Schiano said following Saturday’s spring game. “I like all four of our quarterbacks. I think they’re all, in their own way, improving. It’s just gonna be a matter of making a decision of who gives us the best chance to win. The who, when, I don’t know. I’ll let you know soon as I know. Actually, that’s not true. I’ll let you know when I do.”

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Wimsatt’s Time as a Scarlet Knight

During Wimsatt's tenure at Rutgers, he was the full-time starter in 2023, ultimately completing 48 percent of his passes for 1,735 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite only throwing nine touchdowns, he also threw eight interceptions. However, he was exceptional enough to help lead the Scarlet Knights to a winning record since 2014. Last season, he competed with Evan Simon, beat him out, and was crowned the starter at the start of 2023. While Piscataway, Wimsatt's development was evident. However, Schiano was more impressed that his understanding of the game grew.

"He's grown his understanding of the game. He's grown in his ability to use his mobility to his advantage," head coach Greg Schiano said in an interview with Big Ten Network on Tuesday. "I think [offensive coordinator Kirk] Ciarrocca has done some good things that have allowed him to do that, so he's been a weapon both with his legs and his arm - but most importantly, the growth he's made as a quarterback is what excites me the most."