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Wisconsin Badgers working through QB 'competition' to determine starter vs Ohio State

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 21:08 GMT by Sports Illustrated

The Badgers are on a quest to nail down a starting quarterback for the 2024 season, and the competition has become a headline‑making subplot at Camp Randall. Head coach Matt Canada and his staff have put the three prospects—Tyler Edwards, Alex O’Neil, and Jaden Simmons—through a rigorous evaluation process that blends film study, live drills, and a high‑stakes scrimmage designed to test the men under pressure.

The Players in the Mix

Tyler Edwards is the most heralded of the trio. A highly rated recruit who joined Wisconsin in 2021, Edwards has shown flashes of the poise and arm talent that made him a top‑five national prospect. He returned from a sophomore season that saw him complete 61 % of his passes for 2,112 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Edwards is known for his calm demeanor and ability to read defenses, a trait that resonates with the “pass‑first” philosophy that Coach Canada has been pushing.

Alex O’Neil is a transfer from Iowa State, arriving in the summer to add depth to the backfield. O’Neil’s strengths are his athleticism and the ability to extend plays with his legs. In two seasons at Iowa State, he amassed 1,400 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and rushed for 450 yards, demonstrating a dual‑role capability that could provide the Badgers with a versatile option.

Jaden Simmons is a redshirt‑freshman who entered the program in 2022. Although he has less experience in college‑level games, Simmons is a bright, raw talent who possesses an eye for timing and a strong work ethic. He has spent a significant amount of his time in the offensive practice squad, catching passes from the top receivers and learning the playbook at an accelerated pace.

The Evaluation Process

Over the last week, the Badgers have held a series of drills designed to mimic game‑like situations. The quarterbacks went through three‑quarterback rotations, each paired with different offensive lines and receivers, to see how well they adapt to various schemes. One drill that has generated particular buzz was a “pressure‑scenario” scrimmage against the defensive backs of the practice squad, where the quarterbacks had to make split‑second decisions while being jammed by the defenders.

“It’s not just about the stats,” Coach Canada said in an interview. “We’re looking at how they read the defense, how they communicate with the line, and how they stay calm under pressure.” The coaching staff also paid close attention to each quarterback’s footwork and pocket presence, evaluating whether they could maintain composure in the pocket or scramble effectively if the ball was blown.

Film Study and Mental Toughness

In addition to physical drills, the evaluation included a detailed film‑study session. Each quarterback was assigned a segment of Wisconsin’s recent games and was tasked with identifying defensive tendencies and potential opportunities for play‑calling. The sessions also tested the players’ knowledge of the playbook, as they had to recall specific audibles and adjustments that could be made on the fly.

“College football is as much mental as it is physical,” said offensive coordinator Joe Nugent. “The guys who can make the most efficient decisions in the short time they have to read the defense will have a better chance to become our starter.”

The Decision Timeline

While the Badgers have not officially announced a starter, the timing of the decision is clear. Coach Canada wants a quarterback that can contribute immediately and has enough experience to guide the team through the early‑season games. The competition has narrowed to the point where the next few days will be critical; the coaching staff has indicated they’ll be reviewing the final scrimmage data before making the announcement.

Fans are watching closely, as the decision will set the tone for a Badgers offense that has struggled to maintain consistency at the quarterback position over the past two seasons. If the chosen starter can bring stability, the Badgers will have a solid foundation to push for a playoff berth.

Looking Ahead

The rest of the Badgers’ roster is stacked with talent—key players on the offensive line and a strong receiving corps—so a starter who can efficiently use those resources will be crucial. Whether Edwards’ calm execution, O’Neil’s athleticism, or Simmons’ raw potential ultimately lands him the role remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Badgers are committed to making the best decision for the program, and the stakes have never been higher.