BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU head coach Jeff Brohm announced on Friday that redshirt junior Mike White will start at quarterback for the Hilltoppers when they open the season on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Rice.

White, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., along with senior Tyler Ferguson and sophomore Drew Eckels have been in a tight race to replace All-American Brandon Doughty, now with the Miami Dolphins, through spring and fall practices.

Both Eckels and Ferguson will be prepared for action and could see time throughout the course of the season as well.

“Mike has done a nice job preparing himself for this moment and operates our offense well,” Brohm said. “All three of our veteran quarterbacks worked extremely hard and will be prepared if we call their number. On Thursday, Mike will be our starter and I’m excited for his potential to lead our team.”

White, a transfer from South Florida, spent two seasons in Tampa where he started 15 games over his true freshman and sophomore seasons for the Bulls in 2013 and 2014. He started the final five games of his freshman season and posted the best debut ever by a USF quarterback when he threw for 311 yards on 26-of-41 passing with two touchdowns against Houston. White transferred to The Hill for the 2015 season and sat out due to NCAA transfer rules.

WKU’s season opener, set for 7 p.m. from Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, will air nationally on CBS Sports Network with Ben Holden, Jay Feely and John Schriffen calling the action.