Wisconsin has a real quarterback dilemma, and as much as fans are crying for Ryan Hopkins to get the start in the next game, Luke Fickell basically said it's not going to happen. And there are probably a lot of reasons for it. But there's also an argument you could make to counter it. At the end of the day, pulling the plug on Colton Joseph now would feel like a defeat and throwing away a bunch of NIL money.
However, he can't let NIL money hold him back from turning the page to Ryan Hopkins. The argument to keep Joseph rolling is actually a better argument for letting Hopkins have his chances. Yet, Fickell said, "I think we gave Ryan an opportunity at the end of the game, just based on where we were." He went on to say, "That's not what this thing is about," when asked about a quarterback battle.
Here's the thinking, though... Luke Fickell has money invested in Joseph that surpasses anything behind him. That's a big factor in this. He's also looking at the schedule and knows that Joseph is about to have a longer leash against Rutgers, Maryland, and Purdue. Joseph's success will go up, and maybe that will get his feet under him before Minnesota.
However, that argument may be better for Hopkins. What a great time to let Hopkins figure it out, rather than against teams that Wisconsin should beat no matter who is at quarterback. Hopkins could have the same "getting his legs under him" as Joseph. The question may be, who gives Wisconsin the better chance to win THIS SEASON?
Doesn't sound like #Badgers are considering a change at quarterback:
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 2, 2026
"I think we gave Ryan an opportunity at the end of the game, just based on where we were."
But there wasn't a concrete "no" in terms of a potential QB battle this week.
Does Colton Joseph actually give Wisconsin the best chance to win in the final four games?
Related: 2 things Luke Fickell must do after Iowa loss but his stubbornness won't allow him
This is the big question. Luke Fickell and his staff are fighting for their jobs and need to basically win out. Which quarterback is going to help them accomplish that right now? If it's a long-term answer, there's no doubt playing Hopkins is the move. Give him developmental reps, let him figure it out, and ride into next year with Hopkins having experience.
However, if it's a win NOW at all costs, then the nod probably still goes to Joseph. Sure, it's hard to see that right now after he's been miserable for two straight games, but arguably all of Big Ten play. Yet, he's the more experienced quarterback who can run all over defenses. His throwing isn't impressive, but give him the right opponent, and he's fine. We saw that against Michigan State.
Fickell should still play Hopkins and let Hopkins get these reps, but as his desire to not throw away NIL money and to win out the season, he will most likely continue to roll with Joseph to the ire of Wisconsin fans who want to move on from the beleaguered quarterback.
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