SMU finds its future QB in former Wisconsin and Miami player

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will spend his final year in college football with the No. 10 SMU Mustangs next season. On Wednesday, Van Dyke agent Shawn O'Dare told CBSSports that the senior quarterback has joined SMU. CBSSports' Matt Zenitz shared the report on X/Twitter.

The transfer comes after a disappointing year with the Wisconsin Badgers (5-7, 3-6 Big Ten). Van Dyke joined the team after four seasons with the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes (10-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference).

He started in the first three games for the Badgers and won two matchups. His best performance was Wisconsin's 27–13 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes (11-3, 7-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference) on Sep. 7, 2024. Van Dyke finished the game by completing 17 of 27 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown.

His season ended early after he suffered a knee injury in the team's 42-10 blowout loss to the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-4, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) on Sep. 14, 2024. Quarterback Braedyn Locke took the starting position after Van Dyke. On Dec. 9, 2024, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on X/Twitter that the former Wisconsin quarterback decided to enter the transfer portal.

The decision to play for the SMU (11-3, 8-0 ACC) could allow Van Dyke to end his college career on a high note.

SMU Mustang quarterback options following Tyler Van Dyke acquisition

The new signee joining SMU gives the team an experienced backup player behind starting quarterback Kevin Jennings. The Mustangs leader helped the team reach the College Football Playoff in his sophomore year.

The team fell short in the first round in a 38–10 loss to the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2, 8-1 Big Ten) on Dec. 21, 2024. Jennings struggled in the game against the opposing team's defense. He ended the contest by completing 20 of 36 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Jennings will return for next season and seems likely to keep his role on the roster. That said, Van Dyke could become a backup option in situations where Rhett Lashlee could need to make a substitution.

Washington Badgers loses two starting quarterbacks to the transfer portal

The Badgers were left to find a new starting quarterback after the departure of Van Dyke and Locke. On Dec. 27, 2024, Locke announced on X/Twitter that he had transferred to the Arizona Wildcats (4-8, 2-7 Big 12) for next season.

On Dec. 16, 2024, Wisconsin signed quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who transferred from the Maryland Terrapins (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten). He finished the season completing 273 passes for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The program also acquired former San Diego State Aztecs (3-9, 2-5 Mountain West Conference) quarterback Danny O'Neil. He led the team in passing yards with 209 completed passes for 2,181 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell may have Edwards Jr. and O'Neil compete in the offseason to decide who will be the team's new starter next season.