Former South Carolina starting quarterback Ryan Hilinski announces Northwestern as transfer destination

Former South Carolina starting quarterback Ryan Hilinski announced on Tuesday he would continue his playing career as a member of the Northwest Wildcats. Hilinski, a sophomore, will join a program that will be without senior Peyton Ramsey recently left. Hilinski announced his decision in a message on Twitter.

“Life’s journey has unexpected peaks and valleys,” he wrote. “I am grateful for every step I was able to take. I am grateful for my amazing family and everyone who has helped me along my path to pursue my dreams. I am delighted to begin this next chapter at Northwestern University. Thank you coach [Pat] Fitzgerald and trainer [Mike] Bajakian for giving me this amazing opportunity! Go cats! “

Hilinski started for the Gamecocks as a true freshman in 2019. He completed 58.1% of his passes (236 of 406) for 2,357 yards, threw 11 touchdowns and had five interceptions in 11 games, including 324 yards. against Alabama in his second career game. .

He lost an off-season 2020 battle with the transfer of Colorado state Collin Hill for the starting position under then-offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. True freshman Luke Doty got some snaps behind Hill, which made it clear that Hilinski’s career trajectory with the Gamecocks has changed dramatically since signing as the class’s No. 64 overall prospect. of 2019. He appeared in just two games in 2020, which won’t count as an eligibility year due to the blanket waiver that the NCAA adopted that year.

He will join a program that has high expectations after two Big Ten West Championships in the past three seasons.