The Wisconsin Badgers are expected to start quarterback Hunter Simmons against the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines, marking a major shift ahead of a big game.
Simmons, a graduate transfer from Southern Illinois,
had played one possession in Wisconsin’s 27-10 loss to Maryland, conducting a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to end the game.
Wisconsin was expected to be without starting quarterback Billy Edwards, but Danny O’Neil was slated to make his third start of the season after taking most of the practice reps earlier this week. However, close to gametime, the Badgers have made the decision to start Simmons, marking his first one with the Badgers.
It will be a tough situation for the graduate transfer, as the Badgers will also be without center Jake Renfro, with Central Michigan transfer Davis Heinzen stepping in at center. Heinzen had taken snaps at center during the bye week after starting the season as the team’s left tackle.
O’Neil, a sophomore transfer from San Diego State, had been the clear No. 2 to Edwards over the first four weeks of the season, but had some major struggles against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Maryland Terrapins.
With how Simmons looked at the end of the game against Maryland, this is an urgency move from head coach Luke Fickell. We’ll see how it pays off on Saturday.
