Wisconsin is set to start Hunter Simmons at quarterback for their upcoming game against Ohio State on October 21, 2023. This marks Simmons’ third consecutive start for the Badgers after stepping up from a third-string position earlier in the season. The team is adapting to a challenging quarterback situation, as injuries have impacted their depth chart.
Simmons, a transfer from Southern Illinois, began the season as a backup to Billy Edwards Jr., who started the opener against Miami before sustaining a knee injury. Edwards completed 7 of 16 passes for 113 yards in that game. With Edwards sidelined, Danny O’Neil took over, leading Wisconsin to a 17-10 victory, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Despite O’Neil’s early success, Wisconsin’s offense struggled in subsequent losses to Alabama and Maryland. During those games, O’Neil managed just 25 of 39 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Following a lackluster performance against the Terrapins, head coach Luke Fickell opted to bench O’Neil in favor of Simmons, who has since thrown for 329 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions over the past three games against tough competition, including Michigan and Iowa.
Fickell had Simmons and O’Neil compete for the starting role this week, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback situation. There is no confirmed timeline for Edwards’ return, leaving Simmons as the primary option against the Buckeyes. Under Fickell’s leadership, Wisconsin has seen its intended starting quarterback play in only 11 of 31 games, indicating the ongoing difficulties the team faces.
As the Badgers prepare for the match against Ohio State, they confront a broader context of challenges. Fickell’s record stands at 15 wins and 17 losses overall, with an 8-13 mark in Big Ten matches. The team has not defeated Ohio State in over a decade, heightening the stakes for this encounter.
In the lead-up to the game, media reports suggest that the Badgers are under pressure to perform. Colten Bartholomew, a beat writer for Wisconsin, noted that Fickell will have “every chance possible” to secure his position, but winning another game this season could prove difficult.
The matchup against Ohio State presents an opportunity for Simmons to solidify his role and for Wisconsin to re-establish its competitive standing in the Big Ten. The outcome may significantly influence the trajectory of the season for both the Badgers and their head coach.
