Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has officially declared for the NFL draft. After transferring in from Minnesota with two years of eligibility left, Kaliakmanis gave the Scarlet Knights consistently
good quarterback play for the first time in years. His two seasons at Rutgers rank at No.7 and No.4 in program history in terms of passing yards.
After transferring to Rutgers from Minnesota, Kaliakmanis had to earn the starting job in a quarterback competition against incumbent Gavin Wimsatt. After a strong performance in the 2024 spring game, Kaliakmanis was able to cement his spot as the team’s starter for the 2024 season.
Despite a slow start to the season offensively in 2024, the difference in numbers between the 2023 and 2024 seasons shows the impact his arrival had on the team. In 2023, when Wimsatt threw all but four passes, Rutgers quarterbacks recorded 1,788 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 48.3 percent. In 2024, when Kaliakmanis threw every single attempted pass, he had 2,696 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 53.9%, which represents significant improvement in every single quarterbacking category.
After a full off-season with the program, his numbers and the Knights’ passing offense in general took another leap forward. In the 2025 season, Kaliakmanis recorded 3,124 total passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 62.2 percent. His passing yards total this season are good for the fourth most in school history.
His 2025 performance played a key part in other players on the team having breakout seasons of their own. Wide receivers Ian Strong, DT Sheffield, and KJ Duff got the chance to show that they were one of the most talented cores in the Big Ten due to their steady quarterback play. The potent aerial assault also provided several opportunities for running back Antwan Raymond in the ground game. Both Duff and Raymond recorded over 1,000 yards in their respective categories this season.
With his departure, backup Aj Surace will likely be elevated to the starting role, barring anything happening in the transfer portal. Surace’s arrival brings a lot of excitement because of what we have been hearing about him in practice and from the coaches. However, he will still have big shoes to fill as the next in line after one of the best quarterbacks in school history.
