Entering what could arguably be seen as the pivotal game of the Wisconsin Badgers' season, head coach Luke Fickell provided some crucial health updates for the team's two best offensive players: Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and center Jake Renfro. Edwards has not played since right before halftime of Week 1 vs. Miami (OH). Renfro has been banged up all season long, and even coming in.
With Edwards' former team in the Maryland Terrapins coming to town, the allure to potentially start him has been a talking point all week long. What is important to know is Wisconsin will have its first of two byes next week ahead of their first Big Ten road game of the season at the Michigan Wolverines in two weeks. Maybe both players will be fully healthy enough to go by then? For now, it is just one...
Right before kickoff, Fickell shared this injury information to Mark Tauscher of Badger Radio Network.
Luke Fickell addresses Billy Edwards Jr. and Jake Renfro's injurys
Fickell revealed that while Edwards will be good enough to go on Saturday, Renfro needs more time.
"I'm curious, too. I don't think Jake will make it. Billy will go and we'll see how comfortable and everything he is, but we've got a plan both ways. But we're cautiously optimistic. Just gotta get it rolling."
Here is everything Fickell said to Tauscher ahead of Week 4's Big Ten home opener vs. Maryland.
game day update on QB1@CoachFick and @MarkTauscher65 caught up on the field ahead of today’s game vs. Maryland.
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 20, 2025
Presented by Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road pic.twitter.com/Mn5fh3MtAr
What does the decision to play Edwards but keep Renfro out tell us about Wisconsin's future plans?
Billy Edwards Jr. does not need the bye week as much as Jake Renfro does
From an outsider's perspective, Edwards comes across as close enough to being fully healthy to play. Had this have been a different Big Ten opponent, he may have been held out another week. The fact that Wisconsin is going up against his former team at home on Saturday probably tipped the scales to let this veteran passer play. If he cannot make it work, the Wisconsin has Danny O'Neil ready to go.
As far as what this means for Renfro, he needs more time to get fully healthy. The idea behind potentially sitting him out in this one could allow him to get another additional week of rest ahead of the Michigan road game in two weeks. For as stout as the Wolverines are in the trenches, not having Renfro available will be problematic, regardless of whoever is starting under center for the Badgers.
Right now, Wisconsin is seemingly going for broke here to gain a momentum-seizing win over Maryland heading into the bye. Even though Mike Locksley knows his former player's tendencies, Edwards is a far more proven quarterback than true freshman Malik Washington. Outside of the Terrapins' promising young quarterback, Maryland might not have the pieces to compete today.
For now, let's sit back and see if Wisconsin can finally get off to a fast start during a game this season.