Ben Kenney
June 12, 2024 11:37 am CT
Wisconsin football enters the 2024 season with another veteran transfer addition set to start under center.
This year it is Tyler Van Dyke, a three-year starter at Miami and the 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year.
Related: Wisconsin updated class of 2025 commits after flipping DL Torin Pettaway from Minnesota
Van Dyke’s arrival in Madison continues a trend under head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo. They added former Oklahoma and SMU 6th-year transfer QB Tanner Mordecai entering the 2023 season, and now enter 2024 with a similar plan.
The plan is not neglecting quarterback development or the high school ranks. The program has a starting-caliber player in sophom*ore Braedyn Locke and a highly-touted incoming freshman in Mabrey Mettauer. But the plan acknowledges the importance of winning immediately in the current college football climate. Mordecai in 2023 and Van Dyke in 2024 provide the best path toward accomplishing that.
The Badgers need a big step forward on offense after an underwhelming 2023 campaign. Here’s everything you need to know about Van Dyke, the player that will have the largest say in whether or not that step is made:
Player Biography
Nov 24, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) looks to pass against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Hometown:Glastonbury, Connecticut
High School: Suffield Academy
Height:6-foot-4
Weight:227 lbs
Class in 2024:5th-year senior
Career Recap
Sep 1, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) reacts against the Miami Redhawks during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
2020 (at Miami): Redshirt season
2021 (at Miami): 10 games, completed 202 of 324 passes (62.3% completion) for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
2022 (at Miami):9 games, completed 160 of 253 passes (63.2% completion) for 1,835 yards, 10 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
2023 (at Miami):11 games, completed 219 of 333 passes (65.8% completion) for 2,703 yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
Highlights
Tyler Van Dyke had moments of impressive anticipation, poise, and ball placement tonight
Crown jewel was the deep TD in Q2 where he took a hit from a free rusher pic.twitter.com/Kmu6DKRhOx
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 15, 2023
🎥Tyler Van Dyke 2021 Highlights video pic.twitter.com/k7ru5DIZ1O
— Carlos Pineda (@CarlosFPineda) August 15, 2022
Recruiting Ranking
High School: Four-star recruit, No. 227 in class of 2020, No. 7 pro-style quarterback, No. 1 recruit from his home state of Connecticut
Transfer Portal: Four-star recruit, No. 114 overall transfer, No. 17 quarterback
Van Dyke's Fit on Wisconsin Depth Chart?
Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke throws a pass during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024.
Van Dyke is the clear leader to start under center for the Badgers. Much of the talk from spring practice was him splitting reps with sophom*ore Braedyn Locke, though I’d bet that’s more for the sake of competition than it being a true toss-up.
Assuming health, Van Dyke should be the starter entering the season.
Potential Fears for Van Dyke
Oct 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) walks on the field in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The veteran quarterback is durable, with 30 games played over the last three seasons. His ability is clearly seen in his breakout 2021 season. The potential fear: a lack of consistency. Van Dyke’s career has been defined by highlight-worthy moments and hot stretches, immediately followed by interceptions and poor play.
The veteran quarterback is in Madison to improve his NFL draft stock. The only concern should be the desire for big numbers getting in the way of consistent, down-to-down play.
Realistic Expectations for 2024
Wisconsin quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke (10) and Braedyn Locke (18) warm up on the field north of Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 27, 2024 before the team’s intrasquad scrimmage. Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Badger fans should expect Van Dyke to return to his 2021 form and lead the Badgers to a 9-win season and solid bowl standing. Otherwise, the move to land a player of his experience and potential would have been a mistake.
Phil Longo’s offense and the Badgers’ weapons should prove helpful to the veteran quarterback as he works to re-find his previous form. Again, expectations should be set high. That’s what adding a 5th-year-senior brings.
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