Tyler Van Dyke shocks Wisconsin by entering transfer portal

In the United States, Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has announced he will be entering the NCAA transfer portal after suffering a season-ending knee injury while playing against Alabama on September 14, 2024. Van Dyke, who previously played three years as a starter at the University of Miami, started his tenure with the Badgers this season, completing 43 of 68 passes for 422 yards and one touchdown across three games. Unfortunately, his injury took place during the third week of Wisconsin's season, leading him to sidelined for the rest of the year. After Van Dyke's departure, the Badgers' quarterback roster is left to consist mainly of sophomore Braden Locke and freshman Mabrey Mettauer. Mettauer is known as ESPN's No. 8 dual-threat passer in the Class of 2024, suggesting that Wisconsin has potential for the future, but immediate depth is a concern. Despite his short time on the field with Wisconsin, Van Dyke's performance had set high expectations for success following a competitive camp where he won the starting job over Locke. In his prior three seasons with Miami, Van Dyke consistently showcased his skills, passing for a total of 7,891 yards and securing 55 touchdown passes, establishing himself as one of the more prominent quarterbacks in recent collegiate football history. His 2023 season at Miami was challenging as he was benched, allegedly due to inconsistencies, which prompted his transfer to Wisconsin last December. In enrolling at Wisconsin, he aimed to rejuvenate his college career, but the injury thwarted those aspirations. Wisconsin's offensive struggles were evident throughout the season, resulting in the firing of offensive coordinator Phil Longo after a disappointing loss to No. 1 Oregon. The Badgers finished their season with a subpar record of 5-7 and notably ranked poorly in both national scoring and passing offense. With the exit of Van Dyke, the team faces pivotal changes as they look to move forward into the next season, while also bringing in new recruits including four-star passer Carter Smith and three-star quarterback Landyn Locke, to bolster the quarterback position for years to come.