As if there was ever any question, transfer quarterback Preston Stone has been named starting quarterback for Northwestern ahead of fall camp.
Head coach David Braun announced the decision during his opening remarks at Big Ten Football Media Days in Las Vegas last week.
“I’ve been impressed with his football knowledge, his processing, his accuracy, his leadership, but what I’ve been most excited about and most impressed with is his ability to quickly build relationships with his teammates,” Braun said. “He is someone that our team truly rallies around, enjoys being around, and is a special leader, especially at that quarterback position.”
@thepitmedia Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone speaks on building chemistry with his new teammates. 🎥 @Tre #B1G #BigTen #CFP #collegefootball #northwestern #wildcats ♬ original sound – The Pit Media
Stone’s arrival
Stone announced on December 24 that he would be transferring to Northwestern after spending the previous four seasons with SMU. He started all 12 regular season games for the Mustangs in 2023, but missed the AAC Championship game against Tulane after suffering a leg injury in the regular-season finale against Navy. Stone completed 206 of his 344 passing attempts that season for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
He started the Mustangs’ first three games in 2024 but split time with Kevin Jennings, who eventually won the job. Stone entered the transfer portal in early December.
Since joining the Wildcats at the start of the year, Stone has worked to build his relationship with teammates.
“I think a big thing for me is you want to build credibility with the guys on the team,” Stone said during his podium time at media days. “Being a first-year transfer guy … speaking on the lack of entitlement in the locker room, that credibility has to be earned. As far as building chemistry and relationships with those guys, it’s proving your work ethic on the field and building relationships off the field.”
Running back Joseph Himon II spoke on Stone’s impact on the offensive during his podium time in Las Vegas.
“I think he has a ton of experience from SMU, tons of leadership and I think with those experiences I believe he brings a ton of value to our program,” Himon said.
Lausch focuses on baseball
Some expected a position battle between newcomer Stone and Jack Lausch, but Braun also confirmed Lausch has left the football program.
“What Jack did last year starting ten games in the Big Ten as a quarterback and then going on to play baseball at an extremely high level, Jack ultimately made a decision to solely focus on baseball moving forward,” Braun said. “I’m excited for Jack to dive into that endeavor, which he currently is this summer. Jack has a bright, bright future in the game of baseball for a long, long time.”
This decision was made sometime over the early part of summer, according to Braun.
“Jack worked throughout the course of May and June, and ultimately the decision that he made is something that I think everyone involved strongly supported and understand why Jack was making that decision.”
The Northwestern Wildcats open the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30 at Tulane.
