The big storyline that came from the Wisconsin Badgers' practice on Monday was how impressive Tyler Van Dyke threw the ball. It was a much-needed performance for the Miami Hurricanes transfer, as the Badgers still need to solidify the quarterback position. Both Van Dyke and redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke are currently competing to be the starter for 2024.
Today was the day #Badgers had been waiting for from Tyler Van Dyke.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 5, 2024
Miami transfer was wheeling and dealing and had five consecutive completions at one point in team drills.
We'll see how the week finishes. pic.twitter.com/9q3vHGROqu
#Badgers done with practice.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 5, 2024
Easily Tyler Van Dyke’s best day. Couple big time throws.
Offense got a few long runs in team drills from Tawee Walker and Dilin Jones.
Solid day for Jaheim Thomas. Was really flying around.
Tyler Van Dyke threw for 7469 yards and maintained a quarterback rating of 63.7 as a three-year starter with the Miami Hurricanes. Van Dyke burst onto the scene in 2021, where he earned 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year under the tutelage of former offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Rhett Lashlee. Van Dyke threw for 2931 yards, 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions that season.
After Lashlee left to become the head coach of SMU, Van Dyke was not the same quarterback under new head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinators Josh Gattis and Shannon Dawson. The last two seasons saw Van Dyke overcome a combination of injuries and interceptions, where he threw 12 INTs compared to 19 touchdowns in 2023.
Van Dyke entered the transfer portal after the Hurricanes’ last regular season game of the season in hopes for a new start. At Wisconsin under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, Van Dyke will learn a similar offensive system that he excelled at in 2021. Van Dyke's experience and familiarity with an up-tempo Air Raid offense make him the presumed starting quarterback, at least in the eyes of the Badger fan base.
The 2024 season will be Van Dyke's fourth straight year learning a new offense in college football, but today was a step in the right direction for the veteran quarterback. The Badgers want to establish more downfield passing plays this year, and Phil Longo has tasked both Van Dyke and Locke with making those plays. Today's practice from Tyler Van Dyke is good news for Badger fans concerned about the offense.