While it’s hard to imagine the Wisconsin Badgers quarterback situation getting any worse, head coach Luke Fickell has still been wildly resistant to the idea of throwing four-star freshman signal-caller Carter Smith out there over either Hunter Simmons or Danny O’Neil.
I’ve taken a hard look at the situation and have come up with the top five reasons the Badgers should roll with Smith on Saturday.
Nowhere To Go But Up
This is the most cynical of the list, but it’s also 100 percent accurate. Wisconsin’s
offense ranks dead last in Power Four in scoring (second to last overall) and is threatening an all-time Big Ten points per game futility record (2.57) held by the 1934 Michigan Wolverines.
Indiana scored more in one half this weekend at Maryland than Wisconsin has managed in five conference games. You simply can’t roll out Hunter Simmons again. There’s really nothing to lose with Smith.
Looking Ahead to 2026
A bit like an interim coach, seeing what a quarterback can do with real game action can be very instructive as far as what to expect from them the next season. If Carter Smith shows out in this audition, it could greatly impact the Badgers’ offseason quarterback plans (including trying to lock him down).
If he looks lost and not ready for prime time, it will likely mean a dip into the portal for a starting quarterback for a fourth straight year, which has really never panned out. Knowledge is power, kids.
Billy Edwards is Likely Done
While we can never say never here, all signs point to BEJ having long ago shut things down, presumably with an eye on a medical redshirt and playing in 2026 (certainly elsewhere).
So, when considering Carter Smith, you can stop looking over at the Ginger General hoping that he’ll be behind center again for the Badgers. It’s over.
Danny O’Neil has (Reportedly) Checked Out
He’s still on the roster, but there’s enough buzz around Camp Randall indicating that O’Neil has moved on emotionally if not physically from the Badgers. There’s a near 100 percent likelihood that he’s gone by December.
Yes, he gives you a better chance to win than Simmons because of his feet, but not if he already has one of them out the door. Taking off early is definitely a thing with O’Neil.
Carter Smith Might Be Good
While there are enough flaws with Wisconsin’s offense, from the play-calling to the offensive line to injuries, that Smith will have a steep road to climb, it’s possible that the kid shows something that lets us know he can do this. Seeing it rather than relying on high school film to imagine it is a big deal.
And let’s be real here, the bar won’t be super high. I think Badger fans will be pretty forgiving with Smith as long as he shows effort and flashes some talent.
