The Gophers are likely to return to the NCAA transfer portal in search of a new quarterback after Zach Pyron left the program last week.
Pyron entered the portal on Thursday and quickly committed to South Alabama the next day. His departure came just months after transferring to Minnesota from Georgia Tech for the spring semester. With 19 games of college experience, Pyron was viewed as a seasoned option for the Gophers in 2025.
Minnesota’s 2024 starting quarterback, Max Brosmer, is aiming to be selected in the NFL Draft from April 24–26.
During spring practices that began in late March, head coach P.J. Fleck presented the quarterback situation as an open competition, with Drake Lindsey, Pyron, and others in the mix. However, Lindsey soon emerged as the clear front-runner.
In two practices open to the media on April 8 and 15, backups Max Shikenjanski and Dylan Wittke saw more reps than Pyron. Shikenjanski is a third-year walk-on from Stillwater, while Wittke, a Virginia Tech transfer, is also in his third year. Freshman Jackson Kollock and redshirt freshman Jeremiah Finaly are deeper in the quarterback rotation.
The coaching staff is optimistic about Lindsey, a highly rated four-star recruit from Arkansas. He appeared in three games as a freshman in 2024, completing 4 of 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Wittke played briefly in one game last season, and the rest have yet to see game action at the college level.
The transfer portal remains open through Friday, but players can still commit to new programs afterward. It’s unclear how soon Minnesota will add a new quarterback, though it’s expected they’ll target an experienced player.
Pyron’s career at Georgia Tech spanned three seasons, during which he completed 88 of 155 passes for 995 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
One additional factor is the NCAA’s new roster limit of 105 players, which takes effect this fall. Minnesota is currently over that number, meaning several players will need to move on.
The Gophers kick off the 2025 season at home against Buffalo on August 28 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
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