Another day, another head-scratching decision made by the Wisconsin Badgers' coaching staff. As if we needed another reason to move on even more mentally, and perhaps emotionally, from Luke Fickell at the helm of this program, look what this no good, stinking Badger dragged in... Rather than starting Danny O'Neil over the injured Billy Edwards Jr., Fickell is going with ... Hunter Simmons here?
Edwards started in two of Wisconsin's games so far. He played in the first half vs. the Miami RedHawks before succumbing to a knee injury. After missing the next two games, he played a grand total of two offensive drives before getting hurt again. O'Neil replaced him in the Miami (OH) game, got the starts vs. Middle Tennessee and Alabama, all before relieving Edwards again vs. Maryland.
With news of Edwards and center Jake Renfro being held out of this game, initial intel suggested that O'Neil would be making his third start for the Badgers, but that seems to be for naught... ESPN's Pete Thamel reported it would be Simmons getting the start instead. He came in during Wisconsin's most recent game vs. Maryland in garbage time. He had spent the last four seasons with Southern Illinois.
Now that we know the name of the quarterback starting vs. Michigan, let's learn a little bit about him.
Everything you need to know about Wisconsin QB Hunter Simmons
Simmons is 6-foot-3 and 229 points. He hails from Marion, Illinois, where he starred at Marion High School. His freshman year at Southern Illinois came in 2021, as he was a member of the Salukis football team the last four years. He did not play very much during his time with the program, only making 11 appearances in that span. Simmons made his first three career starts with the last season.
It was a season-ending injury that brought his redshirt junior season to an end last fall at Southern Illinois. He then transferred to Wisconsin this past offseason, as did both Edwards from Maryland and O'Neil from San Diego State. Clearly, Fickell was not pleased with his quarterback room from a year ago, so into the transfer portal he went. After diving headfirst into it, he has exhausted all his options.
Heading into Week 6's road game at Michigan, Simmons has appeared in two games for the Badgers. He has completed 7-of-9 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in limited action. Apparently, he did something in extreme garbage time two weeks ago vs. the Terrapins to merit him getting the start over O'Neil. With him leading Wisconsin to a touchdown on its opening drive vs. Michigan, he is now!
This is decision to pivot to Simmons will either make Fickell look like a genius or get him fired faster.