The Wisconsin Badgers are making headlines in college football with the recent news surrounding quarterback Billy Edwards. After a challenging season plagued by injuries, Edwards has announced that he will enter the transfer portal while utilizing a medical redshirt for his final year of eligibility.
Edwards, who was the top transfer addition for the Badgers in 2025, arrived with high expectations after starting the prior season at Maryland. Unfortunately, his time on the field for Wisconsin was limited, as he participated in only two games. A knee injury sustained in the opening game kept him sidelined, and upon his return in Week 4, he aggravated the injury, ultimately keeping him out for the remainder of the season.
With Edwards now seeking new opportunities, the Badgers are poised to look for at least one, if not two, quarterbacks from the transfer portal this offseason. This follows their previous strategy of enhancing the quarterback position, having added three transfers last year. Currently, the scholarship quarterback pool includes Danny O’Neil, Carter Smith, and incoming freshman Ryan Hopkins for the 2026 season.
Edwards’ departure was anticipated, though head coach Luke Fickell had indicated there were discussions about potentially accommodating his return in 2026. However, given the ongoing concerns regarding Edwards’ injuries and the team’s pressing need for reliable quarterback play, especially after several seasons of inconsistency, a return as the starter seemed unlikely.
This transition period presents a unique opportunity for the Badgers to reshape their quarterback lineup and secure the stability they need heading into the next season. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the coaching staff will navigate these changes and what impact new additions from the transfer portal will have on the team going forward. As they move ahead, there is hope that the Badgers can revitalize their offensive strategy and regain their competitive edge.