Miami names McComb starting QB; Gotkowski out for season

Quarterback decisions are being made in fall camps across the country.

However, external factors ultimately decided the fate of the Miami RedHawks' QB battle between Thomas Gotkowski and David McComb. Gotkowski, who started the final three games of 2025 including the MAC Championship Game and Arizona Bowl, suffered a season-ending injury in practice.

"Unfortunately Thomas went down with an injury," Martin said during Saturday's fall camp media availability. "We feel horrible for Thomas. Non-contact injury. It just stinks."

Gotkowski's injury thrusts McComb into the starting quarterback role. McComb is a 6'4", 220 pound transfer from Kansas. He did not see any in-game action with the Jayhawks in 2025, thus entering the 2026 season with redshirt freshman status.

Martin named Division II Fort Hays State transfer Caleb Heavner as the second-string quarterback and true freshman Drew Bellisari from Bishop Watterson High School (OH) as the third-string.

"Right now David's the starter," Martin confirmed. "We had a nice battle going between him and Thomas, and obviously with Thomas going down, Caleb stepped up and is gonna be the No. 2. The young kid Bellisari is gonna be the No. 3."

Following Gotkowski's untimely injury, Martin is seeking additional depth in the quarterback room. The longtime head coach understands the importance of depth at the position, as the RedHawks started three different quarterbacks during their 2025 run to the MAC title game.

"We still feel good about that room," Martin said. "We felt great about that room before. We had four good ones. Now we feel like we got three good ones. If anybody knows somebody who wants to be a scout team quarterback, we're looking for a scout team quarterback. So if anybody knows any Miami students or anyone out there looking for a home, we're looking for a scout team quarterback."

McComb will see his first collegiate snaps Saturday, Sept. 5 at Pittsburgh. Last time Miami started a quarterback with zero college experience in Week 1, it worked out, as true freshman Brett Gabbert ultimately guided the RedHawks to the 2019 MAC championship.

Martin discussed what he's seen from McComb in camp, as the quarterback prepares for his debut at Acrisure Stadium.

"Really smart, really talent, really inexperienced," Martin said. "He's a freshman. He makes plays and he can make every throw and he can run. He's accurate and he understands the game. He can manage the offense. For as young as he is, he's got a really good handle on the game. His thing is just the experience of playing in the game. Like in the 2-minute, don't do too much. Second and 10 is okay. Second and 10 doesn't get you beat. Like a lot of young guys and being in a quarterback battle with Thomas, when you're trying to win the job, you're trying to make every play. Young guys like to try to make every play. So he's kind of settling in and getting more comfortable. That will be the key as he matures as a quarterback."