Jack Coan, former Wisconsin quarterback announced Monday night he’s going to Notre Dame as a graduation transfer. Coan, who did not play for the Badgers in 2020 after breaking his foot in pre-season training, will have a season of remaining eligibility and must compete to replace Ian Book as the starting quarterback for Fighting Irish.
Although Book could technically return to what would be his sixth season on the show, it is widely expected that he will move on after securing his legacy this season. Book took Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff and became the most winning quarterback of all time on the program, with a career record of 30-5.
This means that Coan – or whoever wins the starting position next season – will have a big job to fill. But Coan has already led a program historically proud of his career success and seems to fit naturally into Notre Dame’s balanced system. The 6-foot-3 Coan threw 2,727 yards, 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions, completing 69.6% of his passes, taking the Badgers to a 10-4 record and appearance in the Rose Bowl in 2019.
He did not play for the Badgers in 2020 after breaking his foot in pre-season training. Redshirt freshman Graham Mertz emerged as a Wisconsin starter in Coan’s absence and completed 61.1% of his passes with nine touchdowns and five interceptions for the Badgers during a 4-3 season. Coan announced in a December 20 statement launched by the Wisconsin program that he would be leaving school.
“Being in Wisconsin has been the experience of a lifetime that I will cherish forever,” he wrote. “Thanks to my teammates, coaches, sports coaches and support team who helped me in my time here. I officially decided to enter the transfer portal. Although this decision was not easy, I know it is the right one for my family and me Thanks for everything Wisconsin! I will love you forever!
Notre Dame and Wisconsin are scheduled to face off in the 2021 season on September 25 at Soldier Field in Chicago.