Wisconsin Badgers football went under scrutiny in the past two seasons and probably in the next ones until they go back to the glory days.
The team had undesirable records in the past 2023 and 2024 under head coach Luke Fickell, something fans are not used to since 2001.
Fickell thought they had leadership issues in those two seasons but it is not really about quarterbacks.
The Badgers head coach sat down with ESPN to preview the new season and one of the topics they discussed is their new quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. who has been impressing in Spring Training.
Fickell was asked what makes Edwards Jr. different and his explanation touched on how their last two didn’t get to play like a leader that is their current QB is getting.
“When a new guy came in, it was more like, “Hey, let’s compete,” knowing what you expected. Whether it was Tanner Mordecai or Tyler Van Dyke,” said Fickell who now in his third season with the team.
“But I thought that was a mistake from us in those two years. It didn’t allow them to insert themselves as a leader, as they had to earn and kind win the job. Not that there’s not competition, but from day one when he walked in, it was like, “This is the guy.” He’ll go compete, but he’s asserted himself.”
Mordecai is now in the pro ranks as practice player with the San Francisco 49ers while Van Dyke transferred to SMU Mustangs for the 2025 season.
Wisconsin Badgers got a quality QB in Edwards Jr.
Badgers fans are gaining more hope this offseason despite recent predictions about their rankings and probable 2025 finish.
Much of it is attributed to Edwards Jr. who already proved himself during his sting with the Maryland Terrapins.
He is facing a new challenge by entering a new environment but according to Badgers coaches, he is acing it.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes said Edwards Jr. not only possesses the necessary skills as a QB but he also got the intangibles.
“He threw a lot of balls with people right in his face, and he’s letting it go. None of that impacted him. I thought he had arm talent. I thought he had good athletic ability. I like his size,” Grimes said after practice back in March.
“It was a combination of all those things at first. As I got to know him, I recognized that he’s got all the intangibles you’d be looking for. He’s smart, he’s competitive, and he’s really driven to be great.”
As for Edwards, he is getting more comfortable by the day. There are adjustments needed to be followed but he is happy that he is surrounded by people who are willing to help him.
“I think there is a lot of new stuff. I think the one thing that’s awesome about the staff is they sit up there, there’s probably eleven, twelve grown men in that room on the offensive staff, kind of thinking of how to install the offense to give us the best chance at success.”
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