The Badgers' spring practices are well underway, and the quarterback competition has been anything but disappointing. It's truly a competition, and maybe not as cut-and-dried as many people had initially expected going into March. Although all four quarterbacks have been impressive, including true freshman Mabrey Mettauer and the returning Nick Evers, this is really a two man battle.
New transfer Tyler Van Dyke came to Wisconsin to play starting quarterback. He comes from Miami, a big-time program where he threw for over 7,000 yards during three seasons. The job certainly won't be given to him, however. According to Colten Bartholomew of Badger Extra, Van Dyke has shown good ability to stand in the pocket and fire short with speed and accuracy, but it's his deep ball that has disappointed.
Braedyn Locke returns to the Badgers and is hoping to make this quarterback decision as hard as possible on the coaching staff. In limited action last season filling in for an injured Tanner Mordecai, Locke looked like a freshman. He had good moments and bad, but now this spring he seems to have much more confidence in his throws.
Offensive coordinator Phil Longo spoke to the media on Friday and addressed the competition between the two signal-callers. He emphasized that it is a true competition and that only good can come from that.
“I think any time you have more talent in the room, not just bodies, it breeds competition.” ⚒️
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 5, 2024
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The battle probably won't be resolved anytime soon, as both players continue to take first team reps. In the end, the most likely scenario is that Van Dyke wins out and becomes the Badger's starter for 2024. But in the off chance that Locke wins the job, it would be hard for fans to be disappointed because it means he beat out another incredible talent. It may just come down to whether the coaching staff values the experienced Van Dyke or the improved but still unknown Locke.