Northwestern lands Mike Wright: Veteran SEC QB gives Wildcats boost of versatility on offense

Wright should compete for the starting job in 2024 as he uses his final season of eligibility

By David Cobb May 9, 2024 at 12:05 pm ET• 2 min read

Northwestern may have solved its quarterback question for the 2024 season on Thursday when former Vanderbilt and Mississippi State signal-caller Mike Wright announced his commitment to the Wildcats. Wright is a dual-threat player with four years of SEC experience who should immediately compete for the starting job after presumptive starter Brendan Sullivan's departure this spring.

Sullivan, who committed to Iowa on Wednesday, was set to be Northwestern's leading returning passer from a team that finished 8-5. But when he entered the portal, it left second-year coach David Braun with an open spot on the depth chart that Wright should fit into nicely.

His top competition for the job may be Ryan Hilinski, who has attempted 850 passes over five seasons at South Carolina and Northwestern. The other scholarship options are junior Jack Lausch and sophomore Aidan Gray, who have combined to attempt 11 career passes.

What sets Wright apart from the group is his demonstrated history of hurting opponents with both his arm and legs in the SEC. Though he owns a career completion percentage of just 55.5%, Wright has amassed 1,229 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on the ground during his career.