Minshew Named Cardinals Starting Quarterback
Gardner Minshew, who nearly chose Alabama, was named Arizona's starter after a Mike Leach recruiting pitch led him to Washington State.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
The Arizona Cardinals named Gardner Minshew their starting quarterback. Minshew said Mike Leach persuaded him to attend Washington State in 2018 instead of Alabama, where he would have been a third-string player and graduate assistant.
Why it matters
The move gives Minshew a starting role after eight NFL seasons, a path that began with Leach offering him a chance to lead in passing rather than hold a clipboard. For Glendale readers, the Cardinals' quarterback position shapes the team's local game-day fortunes.
Under Leach, Minshew threw for 38 touchdowns and 4,779 yards in a single season at Washington State. He was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft and has played eight seasons in the league.
The players
Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew is a quarterback who played college football at Washington State and has spent eight seasons in the NFL.
Mike Leach
Mike Leach was the Washington State head coach who recruited Minshew and was known for his pass-heavy offensive system.
The details
Minshew said Leach asked him whether he wanted to hold a clipboard or lead the country in passing, a pitch that led him to choose Washington State over Alabama. Minshew had planned to attend Alabama as a third-string player and graduate assistant before the recruitment changed course.
Timeline
2018: Minshew commits to Washington State and enrolls under Leach.
November 2026: Minshew is named Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback.
Roadmap
Minshew's rise traces back to Mike Leach's pass-heavy offense at Washington State, which produced a 4,779-yard season and a path to the NFL. His starting role with the Cardinals shows how that system's quarterbacks can carry into professional football.
The starting designation means Minshew will likely draw the most attention on the Cardinals' offense for fantasy rosters and game-day viewing. Fans tracking the quarterback position should watch how the team's passing game develops under his leadership.
The takeaway
Minshew's path shows that a choice between a backup role and a chance to lead can reshape a career. Readers following the Cardinals can track how the quarterback position develops through the season.
Further reading
For more on the sport, see Football coverage in Glendale.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
