While it's fully unknown who will be the starting quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team next campaign, it sure looks like Billy Edwards Jr. has the inside track to win the job. Edwards is coming off a strong season for Maryland, but he entered the portal looking to make an impact elsewhere.
He received plenty of attention once he was in the portal, but after an official visit to Madison and canceling his trip to Michigan, it was known that his future was going to be with the Badgers. With all the attention he was getting, it wasn't an easy call for Edwards to make, but we now know why he's so excited to make a name for himself working underJeff Grimes and Luke Fickell:
What brought Billy Edwards Jr. to Wisconsin? 👐@Billy_Edwards4 x #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/eOrQwIqngj
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 19, 2024
Wisconsin's football tradition played a massive role in Billy Edwards Jr. signing
"I think one, when you look at the tradition and history of Wisconsin - kind of what their program speaks of. I think the biggest thing is Coach Fickell and his staff. If I have to throw the ball 60 times to win a game, I'll do it."
You've got to love that from Edwards. While the program has been going through some tough times of late, including the 5-7 record posted for the 2024 campaign, there's still plenty of belief that Fickell can get things back on track. Yes, fans are frustrated, but players are buying into what he's trying to get done.
There's no question that 2025 is going to be a make-or-break year for Fickell, however, as Wisconsin supporters are tired of this team not living up to the hype. Throughout history, the Badgers have been one of the best programs in the Big Ten, always ready to post memorable campaigns.
That hasn't been the case with Fickell running things, with '24 featuring blowout losses to Iowa and Nebraska. Those two losses were quite frustrating, as was the season finale against Minnesota. Still, next season could be one to remember for this team and Edwards is ready to help create some magic at Camp Randall Stadium. Should he win the QB1 job, Edwards will look to prove Fickell was 100 percent right in trusting him to get this offense back on track.