Northwestern finished last in the Big Ten in passing last year at 117 yards per game and has looked within the Big Ten to fix its passing woes. Northwestern announced on Tuesday that former Indiana part-time starting quarterback Peyton Ramsey has officially transferred to the Wildcats. Ramsey had previously announced his intent to transfer to the program on March 9.
Ramsey made 23 starts for the Hoosiers over the last three years and helped lead them to the Gator Bowl vs. Tennessee last season. He is scheduled to graduate in May. He played in 11 games and was the part-time starter for the Hoosiers last year along with Michael Penix, Jr., who battled through injuries during his first two seasons with the program. Ramsey threw for 2,454 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2019 while adding 252 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He threw for 2,875 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as a sophomore in 2018 and added 1,252 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions as a freshman in 2017 serving as a fill-in and backup signal-caller behind Richard Lagow.
"I would like to thank everyone at Indiana University for allowing me to live out my dream of playing college football," said Ramsey. "I would especially like to thank my teammates that pushed me, encouraged me, and trusted me. Sometimes the road to realizing your dreams can take you in a different direction than you expected. I am grateful to Coach Fitz and his entire staff for this opportunity. I can't wait to get started."
Ramsey will join a Northwestern quarterback battle that includes seniors TJ Green and Aidan Smith, and juniors Hunter Johnson and Andrew Marty. All four quarterbacks saw action last season.
Northwestern also announced the addition of graduate transfer punter Derek Adams, formerly of Kent State.
"We are thrilled to welcome Peyton and Derek to our football family," said coach Pat Fitzgerald. "The graduate education opportunities at Northwestern are unparalleled, as is the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football. We look forward to welcoming them properly when we all return to Evanston to prepare for the 2020 season."
Both players will be immediately eligible and have one year remaining.
