The quarterback situation at Wisconsin has undergone significant changes this offseason, with the departure of last year’s quarterbacks and the arrival of new ones. A notable exit was Tyler Van Dyke, a key acquisition by head coach Luke Fickell from the University of Miami. He didn’t play a full season due to injury, but expectations were high for his recovery. However, he transferred to SMU this offseason, leading Wisconsin to recruit two new quarterbacks, Danny O’Neil and Billy Edwards Jr. Fickell stated that Van Dyke wasn’t brought in to be either the starter or backup, and there are indications he might take a medical redshirt while preparing for 2026, further highlighting the uncertainty around his role at Wisconsin.
This season is pivotal for Fickell and the Badgers, and given the extended recovery time for Van Dyke’s knee, a “wait and see” strategy wasn’t feasible. This prompted Fickell to secure two experienced quarterbacks for the upcoming season, giving him viable options for starters and backups, which Van Dyke’s injury precluded. With this change, both parties benefit: Van Dyke gets an opportunity to recover properly at a new school, while Wisconsin can focus on O’Neil and Edwards in 2025.
Additionally, Fickell has turned to Western Michigan’s coaching staff again, hiring defensive coordinator Scott Power as a defensive assistant, as reported by Football Scoop. Power, who previously spent two seasons at Louisiana Tech, takes over a Wisconsin defense that struggled last year, especially after allowing over 23 points per game, including some heavy losses. Power will aim to establish a stronger defensive identity in 2024, as the team undergoes significant renovations with several new transfers and coaching staff changes. After a disappointing 5-7 season, Fickell has been proactive in reshaping his roster, including hiring a new offensive coordinator, Jeff Grimes, and various positional coaches, laying the groundwork for a revamped Badgers team in 2025.
