The Wisconsin Badgers are facing significant challenges at the quarterback position, a situation that head coach Luke Fickell intends to address during the offseason. Following a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on December 2, 2023, where both Carter Smith and Hunter Simmons took snaps, Fickell acknowledged the difficulties stemming from injuries and inconsistent performances at one of football’s most critical roles.
“It’s been a battle,” Fickell stated after the game. “I don’t want to say struggle. It’s been a battle all year, just the injuries in particular, and then trying to figure out which direction do you go, hoping to get guys back and not getting guys back.” The team’s quarterback issues began in Week 1 when starter Billy Edwards suffered an injury against Miami (OH). Although he attempted a comeback against Maryland, Edwards ultimately missed ten games and could not regain full health.
Backup quarterback Danny O’Neil also faced challenges, being benched and then reinserted into the lineup before succumbing to a serious injury. The situation left the Badgers relying on third-stringer Hunter Simmons, who showed promise during a brief period but was eventually replaced by true freshman Carter Smith. The two ended up sharing duties until the season concluded.
Fickell emphasized the need for stability at the quarterback position, describing it as an “Achilles’ heel” for the team. He expressed disappointment not only in the injuries but also in the backups’ inability to maintain momentum. This instability has hindered the offense and placed added pressure on offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and the supporting cast.
“In some ways, it’s not fair,” Fickell remarked. “It’s not fair to Coach Grimes, it’s not fair to that group of guys. We’ve got to address that.” As the offseason approaches, Fickell’s approach to rectifying the quarterback situation remains uncertain. The Badgers are likely to explore options in the transfer portal, potentially bringing in new talent to enhance the depth chart.
The futures of their current quarterbacks are also unclear. Edwards may petition the NCAA for a medical redshirt, but it remains to be seen whether he would return to Wisconsin or enter the transfer portal. O’Neil, now just a sophomore, could face limitations in offseason practices depending on the severity of his injury. Meanwhile, the highly regarded Smith, a four-star recruit, has not yet demonstrated enough consistency to secure the starting role heading into the 2026 season.
Sorting through these complexities will be a formidable task for Fickell and his coaching staff. The decisions they make over the winter months will be pivotal to the team’s future and their own job security as they strive to build a more robust and competitive squad.
As the Wisconsin Badgers look to rebound from a challenging season, the quarterback conundrum remains a pressing concern. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the team addresses this fundamental issue and prepares for the next chapter in their football journey.
