Northwestern is slated to start Mike Wright at quarterback Saturday against Miami (Ohio), sources told ESPN, making it the third power conference program where he’s been a starter.

Wright played at both Mississippi State in 2023 and Vanderbilt from 2020-22 prior to arriving at Northwestern. He’d been engaged in a close competition with redshirt sophomore Jack Lausch during training camp.

Wright’s experience and versatility were attractive to Northwestern coaches. Coach David Braun brought in a new offensive coordinator this year, Zach Lujan, and Northwestern will have a new look on offense. Wright’s, experience, versatility and ability to run the ball loomed as factors in the decision.

Wright has started 14 starts over his career and played in 39 total games. He started three games at Mississippi State last year and 11 during his time at Vanderbilt.

In his career, Wright has thrown for 2,520 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 1,229 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In former quarterback Ben Bryant’s final year of eligibility last year in 2023, Northwestern went 8-5 and beat Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. That season secured the full-time coaching job for David Braun, who was an interim throughout the 2023 season.

Northwestern returns 76 percent of its defensive production, which is the top in all of college football. They finished No. 35 in total defense and No. 121 in total offense.

They’ll face a Miami team that won the MAC in 2023.