Minnesota opens spring practice Tuesday without a quarterback problem. Mitch Leidner, though far from prolific, brings 16 games of starting experience, a level of efficiency and style of play to the position that fits the Gophers well.
The same cannot be said of at least five teams in the Big Ten this spring.
Ohio State -- clearly not on any quarterback-deprived list -- and Michigan made this rundown by Ben Kercheval of Bleacher Report on the top QB battles of spring. It includes predicted post-spring leaders at the position.
Michigan practice is already underway, though on break this week.
Maryland and Nebraska get started before the end of the week in addition to Minnesota. The Terrapins, while likely set with Caleb Rowe, who's expected back from knee surgery in plenty of time for fall camp, are splitting time between Shane Cockerille and Perry Hills in the spring.
Let's take a look at the best Big Ten spring QB battles, sans Ohio State, where it won't get all that interesting until closer to summer:
Michigan candidates: Shane Morris (junior next season), Wilton Speight (redshirt freshman) and Alex Malzone (true freshman)
Predicted post-spring leader: Morris, simply because of his experience. But this race will extend into the spring, when true freshman Zach Gentry joins the mix. And don't go to sleep on a summer surprise.
Iowa candidates: Jake Rudock (senior), C.J. Beathard (junior)
Predicted post-spring leader: Beathard. He'll get the benefit of the doubt this spring -- treatment to which Rudock has grown accustomed over the past two years -- after the Hawkeyes placed the junior atop the depth chart in January.
Rutgers candidates: Chris Laviano (sophomore), Hayden Rettig (sophomore), Giovanni Rescigno (redshirt freshman)
Predicted post-spring leader: Rettig. He's got an upside that the other two can't match, and with a season to acclimate after his transfer from LSU, look for Rettig to emerge this spring as one of the league's top newcomers.
Northwestern candidates: Zack Oliver (senior), Matt Alviti (sophomore), Clayton Thorson (redshirt freshman)
Predicted post-spring leader: Oliver, who's tall and strong and maybe a bit underappreciated this spring because of his turnover-prone play to finish last season. He'll enjoy a nice spring, but the battle will continue in August, and don't count out Thorson.
Purdue candidates: Austin Appleby (junior), Danny Etling (junior), David Blough (redshirt freshman)
Predicted post-spring leader: Appleby, in perhaps the league's toughest spring call. He faded in November, and both competitors will apply pressure in the spring. But Appleby will draw strength from his best moments of 2014.
Around the rest of the league:
Former Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams draws a crowd at pro day. No jail time for Philip Nelson, the ex-Gopher QB convicted of misdemeanor assault.
Potential surprises for Michigan this spring.
Nebraska looks to feature a vertical passing game under new coach Mike Riley. Meanwhile, former secondary coach Charlton Warren is finally named to the same position at North Carolina.
Shilique Calhoun has been impressed with the intensity of Michigan State's winter workouts.
Tim Beckman wants his players to think about playing for a Big Ten title in 2015.
Iowa offers discounted tickets to students.
Penn State coach James Franklin shares some thoughts on his core values.
Ohio State headlines another list of spring storylines. And the Buckeyes grab a top recruit out of Washington, D.C.
Maryland prepares to open practice this spring without its top quarterback and running back.
Former Wisconsin QB Jon Budmayr remains connected to coach Paul Chryst.
Former Rutgers defensive back Patrick Kivlehan bids for a roster spot this spring with the Seattle Mariners.