Former Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt Poised to Be Jacksonville State’s Starting Quarterback After Impressive Offseason and Spring Development Surge

Jacksonville State football has a new potential leader under center, and it’s a name familiar to college football fans: Gavin Wimsatt. The former four-star quarterback and Rutgers transfer is now in prime position to take over the starting quarterback job for the Gamecocks as they prepare for the 2025 season.

After a rocky and often frustrating stretch at Rutgers, Wimsatt is hoping that a change of scenery — along with a fresh system and a coaching staff that believes in him — will help him unlock the potential that made him one of the most highly-touted quarterback recruits in the country.

A Fresh Start in Jacksonville

Wimsatt transferred to Jacksonville State during the offseason, aiming to reset his college career after a tenure at Rutgers that featured flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of expectations. Once a major recruiting win for the Scarlet Knights, Wimsatt struggled with consistency, mechanical issues, and injuries — challenges exacerbated by a sputtering offense and unstable coaching situations.

At Jacksonville State, Wimsatt appears to have found his footing. During spring practices and summer workouts, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback impressed teammates and coaches with his arm strength, improved decision-making, and vocal leadership — all traits head coach Rich Rodriguez values in a starting quarterback.

“We knew what Gavin was capable of when he got here,” Rodriguez said. “He’s got the arm, he’s got the IQ, and most importantly, he’s got the drive to lead. He’s put in the work. He’s earned the respect of the locker room.”

Rebuilding Confidence

For Wimsatt, confidence has been key. The highs and lows at Rutgers often left him second-guessing himself, especially during a 2024 campaign that saw him benched multiple times due to turnovers and accuracy struggles. But at Jacksonville State, Wimsatt has taken full advantage of the clean slate.

“I came here to compete,” Wimsatt said after a recent practice. “I knew nothing would be handed to me, and I didn’t want it to be. I wanted to earn everything here. This team welcomed me with open arms, and I’m ready to go lead them.”

That mindset has caught the attention of veteran players and coaches alike. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith praised Wimsatt’s growth, noting that he has become much more comfortable with the playbook and reads defenses more quickly than he did just a few months ago.

“He’s starting to let the game come to him,” Smith said. “Instead of trying to force everything, he’s making the right decisions and trusting his guys. That’s the biggest difference.”

Competition in the Quarterback Room

While Wimsatt hasn’t officially been named the starter, all signs point to him being the frontrunner. Jacksonville State entered the offseason with a wide-open quarterback competition after the departure of last year’s starter. Redshirt sophomore Jimmy Holiday and junior Zion Webb were also in the mix, but neither showed the consistency Wimsatt displayed through the spring and into summer workouts.

“He’s separating himself,” one source close to the program said. “The talent was always there. Now he’s putting it all together.”

The final decision will likely come after fall camp begins in August, but barring injury or a significant setback, Wimsatt is expected to take the first snaps in Jacksonville State’s opener.

A New System That Fits

One major factor in Wimsatt’s improvement is fit. Rich Rodriguez’s offense is known for its tempo, misdirection, and emphasis on dual-threat quarterback play — traits that align well with Wimsatt’s skillset. While not necessarily known as a running quarterback, Wimsatt has mobility and is capable of keeping plays alive with his legs.

Rodriguez has been instrumental in tailoring the offense to maximize Wimsatt’s strengths, focusing on quick reads, play-action concepts, and moving the pocket to create throwing lanes. This system appears to have simplified the game for Wimsatt, reducing the mental burden that often plagued him at Rutgers.

“It’s fun again,” Wimsatt said. “That’s the best way I can describe it. I’m enjoying football again. I love the guys around me, I love this offense, and I’m just excited to get back out there.”

Leadership Role Emerging

Beyond the physical tools, Wimsatt’s leadership has stood out. Despite being new to the team, he’s quickly become a presence in the locker room, attending voluntary workouts, mentoring younger players, and even leading team film sessions.

“He doesn’t act like he’s better than anyone,” said senior wideout Malik Jackson. “He just comes in, works hard, and pushes us to be better. That’s what you want from your quarterback.”

Wimsatt’s leadership and maturity are welcome additions to a Jacksonville State team that is looking to take the next step in its transition to FBS football. The Gamecocks made their FBS debut in 2023 and finished 9-4 in 2024. With more talent coming in through the portal and recruiting classes, the expectation is for continued improvement — especially at quarterback.

What’s at Stake

For both Wimsatt and Jacksonville State, the 2025 season represents a critical juncture. For Wimsatt, this could be his final opportunity to prove he belongs as a starting quarterback at the college level — and perhaps to earn NFL attention down the line. For Jacksonville State, having a seasoned signal-caller could mean the difference between a middling campaign and contending for a conference title.

The pressure is there, but so is the opportunity.

“Gavin knows what’s on the line,” Rodriguez said. “He’s hungry. He wants to prove himself. And if he keeps playing like this, he’s going to do just that.”

Gavin Wimsatt’s journey from blue-chip recruit to transfer quarterback has been anything but smooth. But at Jacksonville State, the former Rutgers QB seems to be writing a compelling new chapter. With a system that suits him, coaches that trust him, and teammates that believe in him, Wimsatt has all the tools to succeed.

Now, it’s about execution.

If he wins the job — and all signs point in that direction — Wimsatt will carry with him not only the hopes of the Gamecock faithful but also the chance to redefine his football legacy.

And judging by his demeanor, preparation, and performance so far, Gavin Wimsatt wouldn’t want it any other way.