Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan enters transfer portal

Updated Dec. 20, 2020 3:26 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan has entered the transfer portal after an injury-riddled season in which he didn’t play.

Coan made 18 starts from 2018-19 and helped the Badgers reach the Rose Bowl in 2019, but he injured his right foot in preseason practice and underwent surgery. Although he dressed for Wisconsin’s final three games, the 6-foot-3 senior from Sayville, New York, didn’t play a single down.

Coan said that “being at Wisconsin has been the experience of a lifetime that I will cherish forever.”

Coa thanked his teammates, coaches, athletic trainers and support staffers. He said the decision to leave was “not easy” but added that he knows “it's the right one” for him and his family.

Redshirt freshman Graham Mertz started each of the six games Wisconsin (3-3) has played and completed 60.8% of his passes for 1,108 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. When Mertz got hurt Saturday in a 20-17 victory over Minnesota, sophomore Chase Wolf came in and went 4 of 5 for 15 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Coan owned a 12-6 record as a starter, including an 8-3 mark in Big Ten games.

He has completed 68% of his passes for 3,278 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Coan had a school-record 236 completions while throwing for 2,727 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2019.

“I want to thank Jack for all that he has meant to this team and program during his time as a Badger," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. "He represented Wisconsin with class both on off the field. He is a tremendous person and we wish him all the best.”

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