The Wisconsin Badgers just wrapped up one of the most disappointing halves of football in the entire Luke Fickell era. Fresh off a dominant home victory over the then-No. 16-ranked USC Trojans, Wisconsin fans were expecting that momentum to be carried directly into the next game.
Those fans were sadly let down, however, as after a half of football in Iowa City, the Badgers trail the Hawkeyes 20-0. Many fans have been pointing fingers all around, and rightfully so. Everyone from the top to the bottom has been dysfunctional to this point, with arguably the biggest culprit being quarterback Colton Joseph.
Colton Joseph: 4-8, 75 yards
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 31, 2026
Jaylon Domingeaux: 2 receptions, 55 yards
Mason Posa: 7.0 tackles
Sebastian Cheeks: 3.0 tackles, 1.0 sack#Badgers pic.twitter.com/caBxFArfAy
The Old Dominion transfer has had an up-and-down year to this point, all culminating in the first half against Iowa, which has arguably been his worst to date.
Things cant get much worse
On paper, the 4-for-8 completion total for 75 yards doesn't look terrible, but when factoring in that 41 of those 75 yards came on a deep ball that was completed with a bit of luck — given how far the ball was underthrown — the first-half outing begins to break down. On top of that, Joseph hasn't had any life with his legs either, carrying six times for all of 6 yards.
From bad to worse for the #Badgers as Colton Joseph fumbles without being touched by an Iowa defender.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 31, 2026
It of course goes without saying that all of the blame doesn't and shouldn't fall upon Joseph, as conservative play-calling, poor defensive push and penalties on the offensive line haven't helped. That said, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes clearly doesn't trust Joseph to push the ball down the field, evident by numerous trick plays and screen passes supplementing the majority of passing looks.
If Fickell were to make the change and look beyond Joseph, the options aren't exactly the worst in the world. True freshman Ryan Hopkins would likely be next in line, as his steady performance through camp, paired with some real flashes of greatness, has made him one of the more intriguing long-term upside bets in the program.
That said, it's incredibly rare for true freshman quarterbacks to contribute to winning football, as even the best players in the country often have an adjustment period at that position. That said, what Wisconsin is currently doing clearly isn't working, so change might be the only option to get back into this game.
Odds are, the Badgers will roll with their guy moving forward, even with all of Joseph's shortcomings. But if struggles continue well into the second half, don't be surprised to see a new face trot on out.
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