Ranking the Big Ten’s starting quarterbacks heading into 2022

8. Graham Mertz-Wisconsin

Out of all the Big Ten teams that need their QB to do well to have success, Graham Mertz is definitely up there. He had a great 2020 season, followed up by a subpar season last year.

He definitely needs to cut back on his interceptions and be more accurate for Wisconsin to keep taking steps forward. They have one of the best running backs in the country, who came on in the second half of the season last year in Braelon Allen and always have a great defense, but the QB play needs to improve.

Wisconsin always seems like one of those teams that is just one QB away from being truly elite, and not just good (same as Michigan), but haven’t had an elite QB since Russell Wilson a decade ago. Until we see more consistency from Mertz though, he will remain at this spot.

7. Casey Thompson-Nebraska

The last transfer quarterback to the Big Ten, Casey Thompson came from Texas. He was decent with Texas, all things considered, but I wouldn’t consider him a star.

He didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in the Big-12 in a pass-happy, no-defense league (2,113 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions) but he was more than serviceable. The fit with Nebraska is interesting because he is more of a pocket passer, but still has some rushing abilities.

It’s hard to see him doing better at Nebraska than Adrian Martinez did all his time at Nebraska, but we’ll see. One thing is for certain: Nebraska can’t do any worse than they did last year, so I expect some improvement, maybe a 2-3 game improvement, which should push them into bowl eligibility.

Never bet on Scott Frost’s teams though, so I would be cautious in thinking that they are due for a major increase in win total.