Wisconsin primary rival in midst of unexpected quarterback competition entering 2024

The Wisconsin Badgers are, at least publicly, in the midst of a quarterback competition between Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke and redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke.

It being called a true ‘competition’ feels a bit performative given Van Dyke’s experience and track record, and the Badgers’ eagerness to land him in the transfer portal last winter.

Van Dyke will be the team’s starter in Week 1 barring something unforeseen. That inherently makes it not much of a true competition.

The Iowa Hawkeyes, on the other hand, may actually be in the midst of a quarterback battle between sixth-year senior Cade McNamara and Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan.

That is due to reports from the team’s open practice on Saturday. Those reports saw McNamara struggle mightily — 7/21 passing for 20 yards, one interception, one sack and one fumbled snap.

Sullivan wasn’t much better, finishing 10/21 for 76 yards. But McNamara’s struggles opened the door for Sullivan to possibly contend for the job.

This is a surprise given the context surrounding each quarterback’s situation.

McNamara is back for a sixth collegiate season after missing most of 2023 with a torn ACL. He once led Michigan to the College Football Playoff in 2021, but has not had a full healthy season since that campaign.

Sullivan, meanwhile, transferred to Iowa this offseason after starting a majority of the 2023 season for Northwestern. He completed 63.6% of his passes for 714 yards, 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions a season ago and would have likely won the Wildcats’ full-time job in 2024.

All expectations were McNamara would start in 2024 and Sullivan would be developed to start the following seasons. That plan may still happen. But McNamara’s struggles could open the door, at least, for Sullivan to get a chance.

New offensive coordinator Tim Lester is looking to improve the Iowa offense from its No. 132 ranking in points per game (15.4) and No. 133 in yards per game (234.6). There are only 133 teams in the FBS, for the record. The team was the single-worst offense in the entire country, Power Five and beyond.

Lester’s presence certainly gives the Hawkeyes some urgency on that side of the football. Years of the offense holding the team back are expected to be in the past, which could force the OC to make a quicker move if the starting quarterback struggles. That dynamic could see Sullivan take over the position during the season, even if McNamara wins the Week 1 job.

This is a story worth monitoring for Wisconsin fans. The Badgers and Hawkeyes will meet in Iowa City on Nov. 2. Luke Fickell’s program will need a better showing than in its 15-6 loss last season. The opposing starting quarterback will be a significant variable in that equation.

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