University of Miami RedHawks Quarterback Preview: Breaking Down the 2026 QB Room

The quarterback position is expected to be one of the defining storylines for the Miami University RedHawks entering the 2026 football season. After building one of the Mid-American Conference’s most consistent programs under head coach Chuck Martin, Miami once again has a quarterback room that combines youth, experience, and developmental talent. While there appears to be a clear frontrunner entering fall camp, the RedHawks have assembled a group that gives the coaching staff confidence both now and in the future.

Offensive coordinator Mike Bath and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett continue to shape one of the MAC’s most fundamentally sound offenses. Their system emphasizes efficiency, ball security, smart decision-making, and taking advantage of play-action opportunities. Miami has consistently developed quarterbacks who understand the offense, make quick reads, and put their teammates in position to succeed.

Mike Bath: The Leader of Miami’s Offense

Mike Bath has established himself as one of the MAC’s most respected offensive coordinators. A former quarterback, Bath understands how to maximize the strengths of his signal callers while building an offense around balance and efficiency. His quarterbacks are expected to protect the football, make accurate throws, recognize defensive coverages quickly, and keep the offense on schedule.

Working alongside quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, one of college football’s most accomplished former quarterbacks, Miami places a strong emphasis on quarterback development. Barrett’s experience as both an elite collegiate player and coach provides valuable insight for every quarterback in the room. Together, Bath and Barrett have built an offense that rewards intelligent decision-making rather than forcing quarterbacks to win games on their own.

Miami RedHawks Quarterback Depth Chart

1. Thomas Gotkowski – Redshirt Sophomore
2. Caleb Heavner – Senior
3. David McComb – Redshirt Freshman
4. Drew Bellisari – Freshman

This group features a talented young starter, an experienced veteran backup, a highly intriguing transfer, and a freshman with significant long-term potential.

Thomas Gotkowski (Redshirt Sophomore)

Height: 6-foot-0Weight: 189 pounds Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana High School: Ben Davis High School

Thomas Gotkowski enters the 2026 season as the favorite to become Miami’s starting quarterback. The redshirt sophomore has spent valuable time learning the RedHawks’ offense while developing physically and mentally behind veteran quarterbacks. Now, the coaching staff believes he is ready to take command of the offense.

Gotkowski possesses many of the traits Mike Bath looks for in a quarterback. He has a quick release, solid arm strength, impressive athleticism, and the ability to make accurate throws both inside and outside the pocket. His mobility allows him to extend plays when protection breaks down, while his football IQ continues to improve with every practice and game repetition.

The biggest reason Gotkowski should start is his combination of upside and familiarity with the offense. Unlike a transfer learning a new system, he understands Miami’s terminology, timing, and offensive philosophy. He also provides the program with long-term stability, giving the RedHawks a quarterback who could lead the offense for multiple seasons.

His biggest challenge will be consistency. As a relatively young quarterback, he must continue improving his pre-snap reads, recognizing disguised coverages, and avoiding unnecessary risks against experienced MAC defenses. If those areas continue to develop, Gotkowski has the potential to become one of the conference’s better quarterbacks.

Caleb Heavner (Senior)

Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 220 pounds Hometown: Denison, Texas High School: Denison High School Previous School: Fort Hays State

Senior transfer Caleb Heavner brings valuable collegiate experience to Miami’s quarterback room. Having already played college football, Heavner provides leadership, maturity, and a veteran presence that every successful quarterback room needs.

Heavner is a strong pocket passer with good size and physical strength. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he has the frame to withstand pressure and deliver throws from within the pocket. His experience allows him to recognize defensive looks quickly and make sound decisions in critical situations.

The argument for Heavner starting centers on his experience. If Miami needs a steady veteran capable of managing games, he offers reliability and composure. Coaches value quarterbacks who protect the football and maintain offensive rhythm, two areas where Heavner excels.

His biggest weakness is overall mobility. While he can move within the pocket, he isn’t the same type of athletic playmaker as Gotkowski. He relies more on timing, anticipation, and accuracy than extending plays with his legs. Nevertheless, he gives Miami one of the stronger backup quarterbacks in the MAC.

David McComb (Redshirt Freshman)

Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 220 pounds Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma High School: Memorial High School Previous School: Kansas

David McComb may possess the highest physical ceiling of anyone in Miami’s quarterback room. The former Kansas transfer brings excellent size, a powerful arm, and the kind of raw tools that excite quarterback coaches.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, McComb has prototype quarterback size for the college level. He can drive the football to every area of the field and has the arm strength necessary to stretch opposing defenses vertically. His physical tools make him an intriguing long-term developmental prospect.

The reason McComb could eventually compete for the starting job is his overall talent. If he continues learning Miami’s offense and improves his consistency, he has the potential to become a complete quarterback capable of making every throw required at the FBS level.

His biggest obstacle is experience within Miami’s offensive system. Adjusting to a new program takes time, and refining his footwork, timing, and decision-making will be priorities during his development. Patience should pay dividends as he continues to mature.

Drew Bellisari (Freshman)

Height: 6-foot-3Weight: 190 pounds Hometown: Columbus, Ohio High School: Bishop Watterson High School

Freshman Drew Bellisari begins his collegiate career as one of the most exciting developmental players on the roster. Coming from one of Ohio’s respected high school football programs, Bellisari arrives with an impressive foundation and plenty of room to grow.

Bellisari possesses good size, natural athleticism, and the ability to make throws from multiple arm angles. His high school success demonstrated his leadership ability and competitive nature, two qualities Miami values at the quarterback position.

While Bellisari is unlikely to compete for immediate playing time, his long-term potential is significant. A year learning behind experienced quarterbacks while working with Mike Bath and J.T. Barrett should accelerate his development.

Like most true freshmen, Bellisari’s biggest challenges involve adjusting to the speed of the college game, mastering the playbook, and improving his consistency against faster, more complex defenses. Those are expected parts of the learning process.

Overall Evaluation of the Quarterback Room

Miami enters the 2026 season with one of the more balanced quarterback rooms in the Mid-American Conference. Thomas Gotkowski gives the RedHawks a talented young starter with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Caleb Heavner provides experienced veteran depth, David McComb offers outstanding long-term upside, and Drew Bellisari represents another promising future option.

The room features a nice blend of experience and youth, giving Miami both immediate stability and future promise. While the RedHawks don’t have an established All-MAC star entering the season, they have several quarterbacks capable of developing into difference-makers.

Quarterback Room Grade: B+

Miami earns a B+ for its quarterback room. The RedHawks have a promising starter, an experienced backup, a physically gifted transfer, and an intriguing freshman prospect. The overall depth, coaching, and developmental potential make this one of the stronger quarterback groups in the MAC heading into 2026.

Conclusion

The future of Miami football appears to be in good hands at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Mike Bath and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett have assembled a room that combines talent, experience, and long-term upside. Thomas Gotkowski enters the season as the quarterback most capable of leading the RedHawks back into MAC championship contention, while Caleb Heavner provides valuable veteran insurance behind him. David McComb and Drew Bellisari add exciting future possibilities that should keep the position strong for years to come. If Gotkowski takes the expected next step in his development, Miami’s quarterback position could once again become one of the program’s biggest strengths.