Courtesy of UMASS

UMass Head Football Coach Joe Harasymiak has named redshirt junior Brandon Rose as the Minutemen’s starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Rose, a transfer from the University of Utah, beat out Yale transfer Grant Jordan and AJ Hairston for the job.

The decision was made following a competitive training camp, with Harasymiak meeting individually with each quarterback on Sunday before making the official announcement to the team. “We’re going to name Brandon Rose our starting quarterback,” Harasymiak said. “We feel like Brandon, right now, gives us the best opportunity to operate what we want to do and take the next step forward as an offense.”

Rose transferred to UMass in January, reuniting with offensive coordinator Steve Bajakian, who was previously an assistant at Utah. This existing relationship and familiarity with the offensive system were likely key factors in Rose winning the starting role.

Rose’s previous experience at Utah was limited, as a leg injury cut short his 2024 season after only three appearances. However, he showed flashes of potential, particularly in his lone start against a strong BYU team, where he threw for two touchdowns and was a mobile threat before being sidelined.

The Minutemen’s first game is on August 30 against Temple, and with Rose now officially QB1, the team can finalize its preparations with a clear leader under center.