Virginia Tech transfer Josh Jackson has won the starting quarterback job at Maryland, beating out Tyrrell Pigrome.
“After an extremely tight camp battle, we felt that Josh earned the starting role,” coach Mike Locksley said Monday. “Josh and Piggy pushed each other throughout the summer and into camp. We are excited about the talent in the quarterback room and strongly feel that we can win with both guys. We’ll find ways to utilize each of their talents, but are confident with Josh leading the team.”
Jackson, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, was a standout as a redshirt freshman in 2017, starting all 13 games for the Hokies and throwing for 2,991 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Jackson threw for 575 yards and five touchdowns against one interception in 2018 before suffering a season-ending fractured left fibula in the third game. Ryan Willis took over for the rest of the season, and Jackson announced his decision to leave Virginia Tech in January, with reports at the time saying he felt disrespected by being asked to compete with Willis for the starting job in 2019.
Pigrome has started four games for Maryland, including the season-opener in 2017 against Texas before suffering a season-ending injury in the second half. He also started the final two games of last season after an injury to Kasim Hill, who has transferred to Tennessee.
Maryland opens the season Saturday at home against Howard.