It won't come as much of a surprise, but the Badgers big portal get from last cycle is entering his name into the transfer portal once again.
After playing just two games for Wisconsin, quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. will head to the portal with one season of eligibility left according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he tells ESPN. Edwards is expected to receive a medical redshirt and be ready for spring ball. He played just two games for the Badgers after getting injured in the opener. pic.twitter.com/LLapgtt2Ju
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2025
Billy Edwards Jr. heads to the portal after forgettable year at Wisconsin
Edwards was supposed to be the man to solidify the quarterback postion for the Badgers after years of injuries and mediocre play. But after suffering a knee injury in the season opener, Edwards hardly saw the field at all for Wisconsin, throwing for just 113 yards and no touchdowns.
While the severity of his injury was never fully disclosed, it became clear as the season rolled on that Edwards would not suit up for the Badgers again. There were whispers that he could have played, but opted to stay on the sidelines to preserve a medical redshirt. While the reality of the situation may never be fully revealed, that left the door open for true freshman Carter Smith to get some play time. Smith played admirably, and stacked some quality wins, but Luke Fickell and company will likely still add a starting quarterback through the portal themselves.
Fickell has had a rough go with quarterbacks since coming to Madison. Last year, transfer Tyler Van Dyke missed nearly the entire season as well with a torn ACL. Maybe 2026 will be the year to have a healthy quarterback for once.