2019 Big Ten football spring preview: 7 biggest questions/storylines

2019 Big Ten football spring preview: 7 biggest questions – Finally Jim Harbaugh’s year?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Shea Patterson #2 and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate the first quarter touchdown against the Florida Gators during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3 of 8

EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 27: Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Jack Coan (17) fumbles the ball in the 4th quarter during a college football game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Northwestern Wildcats on October 27, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. Northwestern won 31-17. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Will Wisconsin miss quarterback Alex Hornibrook?

Most quarterback situations in the Big Ten are pretty stable for the time being. That being said, without a doubt, there are a few situations that will be sticky to figure out. Wisconsin recently lost quarterback Alex Hornibrook to the transfer portal, and has left many wondering who will see the majority of snaps under center for the Badgers in 2019, and just how well they can run the offense.

Hornibrook had started in 32 games for the Badgers over the last three seasons while, in part thanks to a stellar defense and offensive line, he went a combined 26-6. Hornibrook decided to transfer in February, and though he has yet to land at a specific school, already has a lot of potential suitors, including a reported visit to Florida State on Friday.

Though there is a clear-cut replacement for Hornibrook, the decision making won’t be easy. Hornibrook was replaced by sophomore Jack Coan, who also earned the nod in Wisconsin’s blowout win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl at the end of the season. Coan’s first two starts were terrible, but he quickly recollected himself towards the end of the season.

The Badgers could also find a solution later on in the process in their highest-rated quarterback recruit in school history, Graham Mertz. The quarterback from Blue Valley North in Kansas will join the team, and provide for an interesting quarterback competition heading into the next season. Spring could serve as the chance to (at least partially) iron out the situation for the Badgers heading forward.

Coan looked calm and collected at the end of the season, but with many leaving from Wisconsin’s solid offensive line, time will tell if he can pick up the slack in his junior year, or if he will be replaced by the young, hot-shot in Mertz.

Home/College Football