The quarterback has left the building.
Senior signal-caller Alex Hornibrook has elected to leave the program and seek a transfer, according to an announcement from head coach Paul Chryst Wednesday afternoon.
“Alex informed us of his decision to leave the team earlier today,” Chryst said in a statement. “He contributed to a lot of our recent success and we want to thank him for all he did for our program. We wish him the best of luck.”
Hornibrook went 26-6 in parts of three seasons as Wisconsin's starting quarterback, and his .813 winning percentage is the best of any passer in Badger history.
After a successful 2017 season in which he threw for 25 touchdowns and 2,644 yards and lead Wisconsin to a program-record 13 wins, Hornibrook struggled in 2018 with inconsistent performance and ongoing concussion symptoms. He was eventually replaced by sophomore Jack Coan.
Hornibrook is set to graduate from Wisconsin's School of Business in May, and will transfer elsewhere following his graduation, according to a statement released on Instagram. As a graduate transfer, he would be eligible to play for another Division 1 program immediately.
"I would like to thank the University of Wisconsin, the football coaches, the training staff, my teammates and the fans for four great years as a Wisconsin Badger," Hornibrook said in his statement. "I am beyond excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing what God has planned ahead."
Hornibrook's departure opens up an already-competitive battle for the starting quarterback job in 2019, with Coan and early enrollee Graham Mertz the favorites to secure a spot on the first team.
