Wisco Wednesday: QB Reset at Wisconsin

There are some new names and faces in Wisconsin’s QB room. Hopefully this time around they can actually score some points.

The New Quarterback(s)

The Braedyn Locke era in Madison has finally come to an end. Locke, and every other scholarship QB from last year, have left the program. Luke Fickell was disappointed that Phil Longo’s offense couldn’t function with “average quarterback play.” Well, now there is a new OC, and 4 new QBs in town. So, who did Wisconsin bring in to revamp the room?

Starter – Billy Edwards Jr. – Transfer from Maryland – 5th year Senior

2024 stats: 2,881 yards, 15 pass TDs, 9 INTs, 150 rush yards, 5 rush TDs, 4-6 record
His stats are only over 10 games. He injured his thumb very early in the week 11 matchup vs Iowa and didn’t play in week 12 vs Penn State.

Essentially, he averaged 280 pass yards, 2 TDs (pass + rush), and 1 INT per game in 2024. He was brought in to be a “high floor” QB who can manage the offense. He is not expected to carry an offense, but is instead there to contribute to a balanced attack.

Backup – Danny O’Neil – Transfer from San Diego State – True Sophomore

Started 11 games as a True Freshman in 2024.
2024 Stats: 2,181 yards, 12 pass TDs, 6 INTs, 93 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 3-8 record

Danny was extremely underwhelming on the stat sheet, but San Diego State was an abysmal football team in 2024. He took 26 sacks over 11 games, oof. The rushing stats seem oddly low to me; at the Spring game, Danny appeared to be a better runner than Billy.

3rd/4th String – Hunter Simmons – Transfer from Southern Illinois – Senior

Started 3 games in 2024 and then was injured.
2024 Stats: 852 yards, 3 pass TDs, 0 INTs, 57 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 0-3 record

Hunter was a late Spring portal addition. Coming from the FCS, he likely never considered the NFL as a potential career path. He is depth in the QB room, another arm in practice, and possibly competition for the backup spot if he has an exceptional summer.

3rd/4th String – Carter Smith – True Freshman

4 Star – Dual Threat QB coming out of High School

Smith joined Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class at the very end of the cycle. For most of 2024, he was committed to Michigan. But last fall, Michigan went out and secured a commitment from the #1 QB in the class (flipping him from LSU), and Smith realized he was being pushed out of Ann Arbor. Michigan’s loss is Wisconsin’s gain. He’s the 2nd highest rated QB to ever commit to Wisconsin out of high school (#1 was Mertz). In his limited snaps in the spring game, it was clear he was the best runner in Bucky’s QB room. It’s a bit unfortunate that everyone involved knows Madison wasn’t Carter’s first choice. But if he sticks around, he could develop into the best QB Wisconsin has had since Russel Wilson.

Want more Walk On Fan?

This article was written by Cole Tollison and edited by Hayden Breene