ESPN names 2 Commanders in early NFL Rookie of the Year discussion

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 23: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles poses for a studio portrait during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Commanders links Articles Commanders. com 5 things to know about QB Athan Kaliakmanis He’s one of the most experienced starters in his class.

The 2026 quarterback class was considered to be a light one. Fortunately, the Commanders are not in the market for a starting quarterback, but in terms of finding a potential backup, there weren’t many options better than Kaliakmanis from an experience standpoint. Although he didn’t become a full-time starter until later in his career, he has experience in that role dating back to his redshirt freshman year with Minnesota.

He started five games back in 2022, completing 60 of his 111 attempts for 946 yards and three touchdowns. Kaliakmanis was named Minnesota’s starter heading into the 2023 season, completing 53. 1% of his passes for 1,839 yards with 14 touchdowns to just three interceptions.

He entered the transfer portal after the season and joined Rutgers, where he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history. Kaliakmanis’ time at Rutgers only spanned two seasons, but he wrapped up his college career as one of the best quarterbacks to ever suit up for the Scarlet Knights. Kaliakmanis, who was almost immediately named the team’s starter after transferring to the program, led the offense in 25 games from 2024-25.