Former Minnesota QB Athan Kaliakmanis - Isaac Shubert/University of Minnesota Athletics
The transfer portal is a big conversation topic within the college football world. One of the newer recruits for Rutgers through the portal is quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Not long after Kaliakmanis posted on X that he is committing to the university, wide receiver, Dino Kaliakmanis also announced his commitment to join the Scarlet Knights. Here is a look back at the quarterback’s time with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and what he brings to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Athan Kaliakmanis’ Time at Minnesota
Kaliakmanis spent three years with the Gophers. He did not play in 2021, but following his redshirt year, he began getting playing time in 2022. The quarterback played in 11 games that year, completing 60 passes out of 11 attempts for 946 yards, according to Sports Reference. Kalia had three touchdowns compared to four interceptions.
In 2023 his playing time increased. He played in 12 games, completing 156 passes for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions this year. Minnesota won just five regular season games in 2023 but was bowl-eligible due to their academics. This put them in the Quick Lane Bowl against Bowling Green. Kaliakmanis entered the transfer portal before this game.
What Kaliakmanis Brings to Rutgers
Right now, Rutgers’ fans can expect Gavin Wimsatt to remain the starting quarterback. Is there always a chance that changes? Sure, there is always competition for positions. Kaliakmanis and Ajani Sheppard will both compete for playing time, just as any player on the roster does.
Rutgers did lose backup quarterback Evan Simon in the transfer portal though, which makes this commitment valuable. If something were to happen to Wimsatt, Kaliakmanis is an experienced quarterback who can step in. Sheppard did play in one game in 2023 where he attempted and completed two passes.
It will be interesting to see what Kaliakmanis’ role ends up being in the 2024 season. Rutgers is coming off of a winning season, following their win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. The structure of the Big Ten will also be entirely different, and the Scarlet Knights will want to keep up that momentum from the 2023 season.
