It's only been a couple of days since the Wisconsin Badgers football season ended, but the speculation is already beginning at the biggest offseason priority: The quarterback. Luke Fickell will need to upgrade the position, and while some fans are hoping Carter Smith rolls back out there as the starting quarterback, most are looking for a big splash to bring a winning season. It's a "must-fix" problem.
One name has already popped up, and he's not even in the transfer portal yet, but many assume he will be after the season, considering he's an incredible G6 standout: Colton Joseph. The Old Dominion quarterback has shown a remarkable ability to both run and throw the ball. He may be an ideal fit for Wisconsin even if he's not the biggest splash.
Meet Colton Joseph: would be my top choice for the Badgers out of the portal that seems pretty realistic. Pretty solid arm and an excellent runner. Would be a match made in heaven with OC Jeff Grimes’ system. pic.twitter.com/JNEEous9fQ
— Connor Whelan (@its_connor_w) November 30, 2025
Colton Joseph would become one of the hottest quarterbacks in the portal if he enters
Related: Luke Fickell is off to a hot start with another pickup from the transfer portal
Colton Joseph had an incredible statistical year for Old Dominion. He had over 2,000 yards passing (2,624) and 1,000 yards rushing (1,007). He helped his team to a 9-3 record and first made his name this season when he ran for 179 yards rushing and two touchdowns to open the season against the Indiana Hoosiers in a 27-14 loss.
As you can see above, Connor Whelan has suggested him as a fit for Jeff Grimes' offense with his ability to run and throw the rock. He ended the season with a 152.7 quarterback rating, 21 passing touchdowns, and 13 rushing touchdowns.
His one drawback that may have Fickell really digging into the tape is that he has a bit of a gunslinger quarterback style. He threw 10 interceptions this season, including three against Indiana. In fact, all three losses that Old Dominion had this year featured multiple interceptions by him. They won every time he threw only one or fewer picks.
It could be a good fit, and if he does jump in the portal, he will immediately become one of the hottest names. The best news for Wisconsin is that he's proven to be as tough as nails and takes plenty of hits running the football, and hasn't struggled at all with injuries in his college career.