Luke Fickell Tackles Wisconsin Badgers’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Wisconsin Badgers are prioritizing their quarterback situation after a challenging season, marked by injuries and inconsistency. Following a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on March 2, 2024, head coach Luke Fickell expressed his determination to solidify the position during the upcoming offseason. The Badgers’ struggles under center have been a primary concern, with the team using multiple quarterbacks throughout the season.
In Saturday’s game, both Carter Smith and Hunter Simmons took snaps, reflecting the ongoing turmoil at the quarterback position. Fickell voiced his frustration, stating, “It’s been a battle. 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.”
The quarterback woes began early in the season when starter Billy Edwards sustained an injury during the Week 1 matchup against Miami (OH). Although he attempted to return for the game against Maryland, he ultimately missed a total of ten games, failing to regain full health. Backup Danny O’Neil faced his own challenges, being benched and later suffering a serious injury.
During a brief period, Simmons emerged as a viable option, but he too was benched in favor of true freshman Carter Smith. Their rotation continued until the final weeks of the season, complicating the team’s offensive strategy. “Now you’ve got to bounce back and forth. It makes it difficult,” Fickell noted, emphasizing the need for stability within the quarterback room. He added, “We’ve said that since we came here, and it’s been just an Achilles’ heel.”
Fickell acknowledged that injuries significantly impacted the team’s performance but also pointed to the backups’ inability to maintain consistency. This lack of continuity has hindered the offense’s growth and placed added pressure on offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and the entire unit. “In some ways, it’s not fair. It’s not fair to Coach Grimes, it’s not fair to that group of guys,” Fickell remarked. “We’ve got to address that.”
Looking ahead, how the Badgers will tackle this dilemma remains uncertain. The team is likely to explore options in the transfer portal, seeking to enhance their quarterback depth for the next season. Edwards could potentially petition the NCAA for a medical redshirt, although it is unclear whether he would choose to return to Wisconsin or enter the portal again. O’Neil’s status also depends on the severity of his injury, which may limit his participation in offseason practices.
Meanwhile, Smith, a four-star recruit, has not yet demonstrated enough readiness to be handed the starting role for the 2026 season. The decisions made by Fickell and his staff during the offseason will be critical, impacting not only the team’s future but also their job security as they navigate this pivotal period.
The upcoming months will see intense evaluation and strategic planning as the Wisconsin Badgers seek to rectify their quarterback situation and enhance their competitive edge for the next season.
