The Wisconsin Badgers are poised to start Hunter Simmons at quarterback for their upcoming match against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 21, 2023. Simmons, who began the season as the team’s third-string quarterback, will make his third consecutive start following a series of injuries to his predecessors.
Simmons transferred to Wisconsin from Southern Illinois, where he initially found himself behind Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer from Maryland, and Danny O’Neil, who joined from San Diego State. Edwards started the Badgers’ season opener against Miami but left the game with a knee injury after completing seven of 16 passes for 113 yards. O’Neil stepped in and guided Wisconsin to a 17-10 victory, finishing with 120 yards and one touchdown.
The turning point for Wisconsin’s offense came during a dominant performance by O’Neil, who threw for 283 yards, completing 23 of 27 passes with three touchdowns in a 42-10 win over Middle Tennessee State. However, issues arose in subsequent games against Alabama and Maryland, where O’Neil struggled significantly. In those contests, he completed just 25 of 39 passes for 237 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Following a lackluster performance against Maryland, head coach Luke Fickell benched O’Neil in favor of Simmons.
Simmons has since taken the reins, posting a line of 33 of 59 passes for 329 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions over his appearances against Maryland, Michigan, and Iowa. This shift has not come without challenges; according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Fickell has seen his intended starting quarterback healthy for only 11 of 31 games during his tenure.
As Wisconsin prepares for the clash against Ohio State, the stakes are high. The team is searching for a much-needed win, and Simmons’ performance will be critical. Fickell’s record as head coach stands at 15-17, with an 8-13 mark in Big Ten competition, which further adds pressure to the team’s efforts.
The Badgers face a formidable opponent in Ohio State, a team that has historically dominated their matchups. This season marks over a decade since Wisconsin last secured a victory against the Buckeyes, and the pressure is on for Simmons and his teammates as they aim to change that narrative.
With Simmons at the helm, Wisconsin’s offense hopes to regain its footing and secure a crucial win against Ohio State, adding to the excitement surrounding this pivotal matchup in the college football season.
