The Minnesota Gophers have been searching for a third scholarship quarterback since January, and they finally found their man on Tuesday. Virginia Tech redshirt freshman Dylan Wittke entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 17 after reportedly falling behind in the competition for the Hokies’ backup quarterback job coming out of spring practices. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound signal caller then committed to Minnesota this week.
Wittke, a three-star prospect out of Buford, Georgia, did not play in a game for Virginia Tech in 2023 and maintained a redshirt. At Buford High School, he was a three-sport athlete and helped the Wolves win three state football championships (2019-21).
The Gophers believed they had originally filled their backup quarterback need with Fresno State transfer Logan Fife in December, but he changed his mind weeks later and went to Montana. Minnesota has New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer penciled in as the senior starter for 2024. True freshman Drake Lindsey has been impressive in spring practices and could compete with Wittke for the backup role this fall. Stillwater walk-on quarterback Max Shikenjanski has been the Gophers’ third-string quarterback this spring.
Wittke’s commitment gives the Gophers three scholarship quarterbacks on their roster for the 2024 season. He is expected to compete with Lindsey and Shikenjanski for the backup role behind Brosmer.
