Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame Football: 4 Potential Landing Spots for Malik Zaire

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With former Notre Dame quarterback, Malik Zaire, receiving his release from Notre Dame this week, here is the list of potential landing spots for the gun slinger.

After claiming the starting job for the Fighting Irish heading into the 2015 season, Zaire’s career took a turn for the worst at Notre Dame. After being injured in the second game of the 2015 season, Zaire lost his starting role to DeShone Kizer.

In 2016, head coach Brian Kelly tried using the two quarterbacks in a duel-QB package but eventually turned to Kizer as the lead play-caller.

With his time in South Bend, Zaire has never actually been given a chance to make a name for himself. Many believed he would be the next-best-thing for Notre Dame after leading the Irish to a Music City Bowl win over LSU in 2014.

Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and that’s exactly what happened to Zaire. It isn’t that Notre Dame wanted him to be their second-string quarterback. Zaire has all the potential to be a great passer in college football and maybe beyond. When you have competition, though, things like injuries can sometimes end a player’s chances of proving their worth.

Wherever Zaire ends up, it’s sure that Notre Dame fans will have his back. He’s never made a bad name for himself at the University and has been a memorable name for the football team.

Notre Dame will have loved to give him the starting job next season if Kizer decides to go pro. It’s understandable that Zaire didn’t want to take that chance with his last season of eligibility.

The only question that remains now is where Zaire will end up. Like we watched Everett Golson do in the past, Zaire will weigh his options. It’s likely that this QB won’t end up at a team that isn’t going to compete for a title.

Leaving Notre Dame, it’s certain he won’t take a step down in competition. Lucky for the Irish, they don’t have to worry about him heading to another conference school. They may have to worry about him heading to a team they play, though.

So, what are the potential landing spots for Malik Zaire?

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is reported to be one of two Big Ten schools Zaire in interested in. With quarterback, Bart Houston being a senior, and Alex Hornibrook still a freshman, the Badgers are in need of a strong-armed leader next season.

Zaire would have to compete for the starting job in Wisconsin, which he’ll have to do everywhere. The only difference is he may not be the favorite heading into camp if Hornibrook builds his game over the offseason.

The Badgers would be the contender Zaire may be in search of. With a possibility of making the College Football Playoff coming down to a Big Ten Championship against Penn State, Wisconsin is right up there with the best in college football.

If Zaire is up for some competition, which many believe he’s not, then Wisconsin can be his future school. I’m sure head coach Paul Chryst isn’t opposed to bringing Zaire onto the team.

Wisconsin’s biggest concern this season has been it’s passing attack. With Zaire behind center, the Badgers could be even better than they are in 2016.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Pitt is losing a big part of their offense when quarterback, Nathan Peterman, graduates this spring. They could be looking at Zaire to step in and replace him immediately, though.

Peterman is the only quarterback in Pitt to throw a pass for the Panthers this season. They’ve relied heavily on the passing attack over the last two seasons, as running back James Connor recovered from cancer.

This team may not be competing for a National Championship this season, but Zaire could help boss their chances. With Connor returning to the backfield next year and Zaire under center, the Panthers could have an even more explosive offense than they already do.

The reason Pitt is above Wisconsin is because of their quarterback scenario. Although their chances of competing for a title are a lot lower, Zaire should step in and take control of the quarterback position for Pitt.

It seems that Zaire’s concern is to finally prove he’s a starting quarterback in college football. With one year remaining, Zaire isn’t trying to take any chances at screwing up his final season. Pitt may be that safe choice to step in and be the immediate starter.

Michigan State Spartans

Don’t let Michigan State’s 2016 season fool you. This team is one of the best in college football year after year, and it’s hard to imagine they’ll have back-to-back losing seasons.

With quarterback, Tyler O’Connor, graduating, the Spartans are in desperate need of a quality passer. The issue with Zaire transferring to Michigan State is that he will once again have to compete with another quarterback. Freshman, Brian Lewerke, has stepped in for the Spartans when needed this season and has played… okay.

He hasn’t shown anything that makes him the go-to guy for the starting job in 2017. He has shown enough to earn him a chance to compete for it, though.

If Zaire chooses Michigan State, he’ll have to edge out Lewerke. This shouldn’t be a major problem, as Zaire is already ready to start for almost any team in the NCAA. It’s just another chance than no one knows if Zaire is willing to take.

This Spartans team can quickly make a run next season. No one really knows how it got this bad in 2016, but that will change in no time.

With LJ Scott returning as a junior, the Michigan State offense can have a dynamic duo in the backfield. This could go a long way in Zaire’s decision. There’s no doubt he wants to play on a team that can compete, and Michigan State is that team.

Florida Gators

Florida had every opportunity to be great this season. It just seemed like one thing was missing. That one thing was a quarterback.

The Gators finished 8-3 in the regular season with one of the worst passing attacks in college football. Sophomore, Luke Del Rio didn’t have an awful season, but he certainly didn’t have a great one.

With only eight touchdowns during the regular season, the Gators are looking for someone who can step in and lead this offensive charge through the air next season. Zaire would definitely have to compete for the starting role, but it’s unlikely Jim McElwain wouldn’t be in love with him immediately.

The Florida quarterback job is one of the best in football. They have some of the best recruiting in the nation, and constantly have incoming talent around you. Zaire’s first choice is going to be the Gators if he’s looking to have a significant impact on the NCAA.

Playing in the SEC, Zaire will have the most recognition from NFL coaches. If he’s looking towards the future, which it’s believed he is, Florida is the place to go.

It’d be surprising for him not to be a Gator next season. Although he’ll have to compete, Florida is right on the brink of College Football Playoff contention, and Zaire may be the answer.

Coach McElwain and the Gators will be the strongest pull for Zaire and should end up with the quarterback next season.