Written by Ethan Roberts

Head coach Tom Allen used his media availability earlier Wednesday to reveal that they had decided on who will be under center come Week 1 of the 2023 campaign, but they have decided to keep their plans secret. This is not something new to the Tom Allen regime, but it strengthens the theory that respective quarterbacks Brendan Sorsby and Tayven Jackson are close in talent level.

“We have a decision, and no we’re not going to announce it,” Allen said. " I would say that the process that you go through, especially with two guys who are the same age and both young, both talented, both bring different skillsets to the team. Very pleased with those guys. I think they’ve both really improved a lot since they’ve been there. Obviously, Tayven (Jackson) has been here for a shorter amount of time, but they’ve both worked extremely hard.”

Allen made sure to point out that both competitors echo a sense of leadership on and off the field.

“I think even in the leadership role, I really challenged both of them and they’ve grown in those areas and are viewed in that regard,” Allen said. “Two young men that we feel very, very good about that have great qualities. You’re looking for a guy to be able to command that side of the football, lead that side of the football and that’s with leadership and production. So, you’ve got to make plays and run the offense and just a verbalization of all that. When you don’t huddle you have to be able to command and make checks and adjustments, and articulate things and all the different roles that go into that. So, you’re looking for all those things from your guys. Obviously, you want them to be able to move the ball down the field in live situations and scrimmages and team-gos, and all that, we chart everything. I feel really good about the process we go through, and I feel like we’ve got two guys that we can win with.”

Tayven Jackson is a transfer and former four-star recruit from Tennessee with high expectations. Brendan Sorsby was recruited as a three-star prospect by the Hoosiers in 2022. Both quarterbacks have a background of showcasing talent, and coach Allen believes both have the ability to play.

“I think the bottom line is that we do feel like we have two guys that are really good players,” Allen said. “It’s obviously a situation that you want to be in to be able to have more than one. Obviously, Dexter (Williams II) continues to work hard to rehab and get back and he got a lot of meaningful reps, as well. So, bottom line is we know we’ve got to be able to have multiple quarterbacks to help us win and do what we need to do in the 2023 season.”

With the starter being named internally came the conversation with both quarterbacks about who would be riding the bench in 2023. A conversation of disappointment and honesty.

“So basically, you know, open honest conversations with him,” Allen said. “They know exactly where things are right now and where it stands. So, you bring him in, and you shoot him straight. They have such respect for each other and are great teammates for one another. So, sitting there trying to compete to play one spot, that’s always a challenging thing, but to me that’s the key to being open and honest with him and we’ll go forward from there.”

Whoever won the starting role as the 2023 quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers will have a tough task in week 1. Ohio State’s defense led by second year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles ranked top-25 in both total yards allowed and scoring defense. The offensive line has been rebuilt. The skill positions are healthy. It’s time to show the Big Ten what you’re made of, mystery player.

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