Wisconsin Badgers Change Quarterbacks Ahead of Huskies Showdown

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers are making another quarterback change as they prepare to face the No. 23 Washington Huskies on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Wisconsin comes off its second bye week and will start sophomore Danny O’Neil after he was benched earlier this season.

O’Neil’s season has been a rollercoaster. He had a strong opening game against Middle Tennessee State, throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns. However, his performance against Alabama and Maryland fell short, leading to the Badgers switching to Hunter Simmons. Simmons, too, struggled, failing to generate momentum in the last three games.

O’Neil’s return comes amidst ongoing challenges for the Badger offense, as they average 12.5 points per game this season. He is not the only signal-caller expected to see the field, with true freshman Carter Smith set to debut after taking first and second-team reps in practice.

Injury woes plague Wisconsin, as linebacker Christian Alliegro and safety Preston Zachman head the lengthy injury list. Other key players, including WR Tyrell Henry and RB Darrion Dupree, are listed as questionable, while several others have been ruled out for the game.

The Badgers enter the matchup as 11.5-point underdogs, with the over/under set at 44.5 points. Despite the struggles, the Badgers hope to benefit from the home field advantage as they attempt to snap a six-game losing streak against a ranked opponent.

“We’re excited to be back in Camp Randall,” coach Luke Fickell said. “This is a chance for us to turn things around against a tough opponent.” Wisconsin’s last win came against Middle Tennessee and they are eager to show improvement against the Huskies.

Saturday’s game marks another chapter in the brief history between Wisconsin and Washington, as the two teams have met just four times. The last matchup was in 1992 when Washington claimed a 27-10 victory.