Gophers QB Athan Kaliakmanis will enter transfer portal

MINNEAPOLIS — Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who just finished his first full season as the Gophers' starting quarterback, announced Tuesday he will enter the transfer portal.

The redshirt sophomore did not give a reason for his decision, but thanked the University of Minnesota coaches, fans and players.

"Minnesota will always be an important place in my life and one that I believe has helped me grow immensely both as a player and a man for the last three years," he said.

Kaliakmanis will finish his Gophers career with 2,784 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He came to the Gophers as a four-star recruit out of Illinois. He redshirted his freshman season in 2021, started five games in 2022 and became the full-time starter this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

The Gophers have two freshman quarterbacks on the roster, Drew Viotto and Max Shikenjasnki. They also have Cole Kramer, a redshirt senior. It's likely head coach P.J. Fleck could look to the transfer portal for a replacement for Kaliakmanis.

The bowl-eligible Gophers finished 5-7 this season. Aside from the COVID-shortened 2020 season, this was just their second sub-.500 season under Fleck. Their bowl matchup will be announced Dec. 3.

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