It was a rough Saturday for several former Wisconsin quarterbacks making their debuts with new programs: Nick Evers (UConn), Myles Burkett (Albany) and Deacon Hill (Utah Tech).
That does not even include second-year Florida starter Graham Mertz, who left the Gators’ 41-17 loss to No. 19 Miami with a concussion.
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Evers started UConn’s Week 1 contest against Maryland. He exited midway through the third quarter after taking a big hit from Terrapins linebacker Caleb Wheatland. The former Badger and Oklahoma Sooner completed six of 17 passes for 73 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception. UConn failed to score during his nine drives.
Burkett had the best afternoon of the three. He completed 12 of 26 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown in Albany’s 27-21 win over Long Island. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he did enough to lead the Great Danes to a win despite managing just 255 yards of offense.
Hill, who is technically a former Wisconsin quarterback despite playing 2023 at Iowa, had a pedestrian outing in Utah Tech’s blowout loss to Montana State. He completed 11 of 23 passes for 104 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He added 25 rushing yards and an impressive rushing touchdown.
The three former Badgers went 1-2 in their debuts with new programs and combined to go 29 of 66 (44%) for 342 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The performances of these former Badgers are worth monitoring, especially that of Evers. Wisconsin again opted for a veteran transfer in Tyler Van Dyke in 2024 with redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke behind him on the bench. It would be notable if Evers finally blossomed at his third collegiate stop.
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