Athan Kaliakmanis

Kaliakmanis is set to be the Gophers’ clear cut starter at quarterback. After four seasons of Tanner Morgan, Minnesota’s offense will be headed by the redshirt sophomore. Kaliakmanis was solid if not special in 2022, throwing for 946 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. He started four straight games at the end of the year while filling in for the injured Morgan, and had his best game against the Gophers’ bitter rival, Wisconsin. That game, however, was the only time he threw multiple touchdowns and the only time his completions reached double digits all year. Minnesota was a run-heavy team last year, although their talented tailback Mohammed Ibrahim has moved on to the NFL. If the Gophers elect to throw the football more in 2023, Kaliakmanis will have experienced options to throw to in Daniel Jackson, Chris Autman-Bell and one of the best tight ends in the conference in Brevyn Spann-Ford. With proven production around him, Kalikmainis should take a step forward in his first year as a full-time starter.