In a continuation of transfer portal exits for the Miami Hurricanes football program under head coach Mario Cristobal, Monday brought the anticipated but now official departure of fourth-year quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. Taking to social media, Van Dyke expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the University of Miami, my teammates, coaching staff, and everyone associated with the University who have made this chapter in my life truly special and invaluable. I have created lifelong friendships and memories, which I will always cherish. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me during my time here. After conversations with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. I am looking forward to the next chapter and what my future holds.”
Van Dyke’s statistics during his tenure with the Hurricanes include completing 581 out of 912 passes for a completion percentage of 63.7%, which resulted in 7,469 yards, 54 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 147.0. Additionally, he contributed 32 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns in 32 games and 27 starts as a Hurricane. Van Dyke ends his career at Miami with the second-best completion percentage all-time, third all-time in quarterback rating, fourth all-time in passing touchdowns, and sixth all-time in passing yards.
The trajectory of Van Dyke’s career at Miami resembles a rollercoaster ride. Initially arriving as a four-star recruit from Connecticut in former head coach Manny Diaz’s 2020 recruiting class, Van Dyke witnessed various coaching departures within the program. Limited to action in two games during the 2020 season behind former Houston Cougars transfer quarterback D’Eriq King, Van Dyke’s opportunity came when King suffered a season-ending injury early on during the 2021 season. This thrust Van Dyke into the starting lineup, leading to a euphoric run marked by impressive statistics and performances that captivated the Miami fan base.
The 2022 season introduced significant changes for Van Dyke with the dismissal of former head coach Manny Diaz, the departure of former offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee as the new head coach of the SMU Mustangs, and the arrival of Mario Cristobal as head coach along with new offensive coordinator, Broyles Award-winning offensive coordinator Josh Gattis from Michigan. Unfortunately, Gattis’s offensive system did not align with Van Dyke’s strengths, resulting in a challenging season marked by a lack of synergy between the quarterback and coordinator, and a gruesome shoulder injury for Van Dyke that would end his season.
After the 2022 season, Van Dyke faced a crucial decision and chose to remain at Miami. Mario Cristobal appointed Shannon Dawson from Houston as the new offensive coordinator, seemingly creating an ideal match. However, rumors surfaced after spring practices in Coral Gables suggesting Van Dyke and his camp were exploring a potential transfer to the Alabama Crimson Tide, though ultimately, he stayed at Miami.
Despite a promising start to the 2023 season with a five-touchdown performance against a top-25 SEC team in the Texas A&M Aggies, Van Dyke’s momentum halted as Miami entered ACC conference play. Ten interceptions in four consecutive games led to his benching in favor of true freshman quarterback Emory Williams, who unfortunately suffered a compound fracture to his left arm against the Seminoles on the final offensive drive of the game for Miami. Van Dyke entered the game in an attempt to secure a potential game-tying drive against the in-state rival Florida State Seminoles; he ultimately threw an interception, and Florida State would line up in victory formation shortly thereafter.
Van Dyke found some form of redemption in Miami’s final two regular-season games against top-10 ranked Louisville Cardinals in a narrow 38-31 defeat at Hard Rock Stadium and the Boston College Eagles in a 45-20 road victory, protecting the ball and avoiding turnovers.
Van Dyke’s departure marks the beginning of a new era for the Miami Hurricanes. Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff are prepared to explore every corner and edge of the transfer portal to identify their new leader at quarterback. While some Hurricane fans may find it a sad ending, it highlights the reality of the modern age in college football, where emotional attachment to players must contend with the dynamics of the transfer portal, players looking for better situations or more playing time, players not happy with current coaches or even offensive and defensive schemes, and above all else the name, image, and likeness opportunities.
As for Van Dyke’s next destination, only time will reveal his next team. Miami fans can only wonder what happened to the magic that Van Dyke once brought during his six-start stint in the latter half of the 2021 season—an undeniably exhilarating period for Hurricane football fanatics. They can only hope, wait, and see what is the next move for the football program at arguably one of the most important positions on the football field, and for most, it is with the expectation that the next quarterback can elevate the program to greater heights.
