One of the coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal has found a new home. Tyler Van Dyke, the former Miami quarterback, has made his commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers official, bolstering coach Luke Fickell’s quarterback depth as they prepare for the revamped Big Ten season ahead. Van Dyke was ranked as the 12th best available quarterback in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.
Van Dyke’s journey in South Florida had its highs and lows. His collegiate career began with a bang, earning him the ACC Rookie of the Year title in 2021. However, this season saw a downturn when he was temporarily benched in favor of freshman Emory Williams before the November 11 clash with Florida State. A twist of fate forced Van Dyke back into action during that game when Williams suffered an injury. He then started the final two games of the season against Louisville and Boston College.
While Van Dyke showcased his prowess by throwing for 2,703 yards and 19 touchdowns, he also experienced a career-high 12 interceptions, surpassing his combined total from the previous two years. With Van Dyke’s departure, the Miami Hurricanes are left with two scholarship quarterbacks on their roster – Williams and redshirt freshman Jacurri Brown.
This isn’t the first time Coach Fickell has looked to the transfer portal for an experienced quarterback. Last offseason, the Badgers secured former SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai, a sixth-year senior who started nine games for the team, contributing to their 7-5 record.
A new beginning awaits Van Dyke, who faced diminishing prospects as a starter if he had stayed at Miami. At one point in his career, Van Dyke was regarded as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. A standout season with the Badgers could rekindle NFL interest in him.
The transfer portal has witnessed numerous quarterbacks rejuvenate their careers at new destinations. This year’s Heisman Trophy finalists, including Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix, all exemplify quarterbacks who used fresh starts at new locations to reignite their careers. Van Dyke now seeks to follow suit.
Van Dyke’s arrival may raise the ceiling for Wisconsin’s offensive capabilities. Fickell’s appointment marked a shift in the Badgers’ offensive philosophy, transitioning from a ground-heavy approach to a more Air Raid-style attack under the guidance of former North Carolina offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Van Dyke’s willingness to take risks and push the ball down the field aligns with this offensive shift.
While Mordecai’s tenure with the Badgers didn’t pan out as expected due to injuries, the team’s passing offense had room for improvement. Wisconsin ranked in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten for passing offense, averaging 207 yards per game. The addition of Van Dyke presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Wisconsin. If he excels, he could elevate the Badgers’ offense to contend in the Big Ten. If not, they have a promising option in Braedyn Locke, who showed potential during Mordecai’s absence.