Reports: Rutgers lands Minnesota QB Nelson

Jan 29, 2014 - 10:31 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Quarterback Philip Nelson is leaving one Big Ten program for another.

Nelson will transfer from Minnesota to Rutgers, according to several reports Wednesday.

The quarterback had announced Jan. 16 that he would transfer, saying in a statement he was looking for a system that centers more on the passing game.

Rutgers coach Kyle Flood tweeted Wednesday that there was a "New MN addition" to the team.

In 18 games for the Golden Gophers, Nelson passed for 2,179 yards and 17 touchdowns. He rushed for 548 yards and six touchdowns.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound sophomore will sit out a year due to transfer rules, but won't lose a year of eligibility under Big Ten rules because Rutgers doesn't become a member of the conference until later this year.