Why Eastern Michigan may be a "prove it" game for Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph

Although the Wisconsin Badgers are just two games into the 2026 season, many questions surrounding the team have already begun to circulate — many of which with negative connotation. From the “Fire Fickell” crowd once again picking up steam, to questions around the incoming crop of transfer talent not living up to its preseason billing, it’s safe to say fans have been disappointed thus far.

One of those “underwhelming” incoming transfers was quarterback Colton Joseph. The Old Dominion transfer was the Badgers’ top target this offseason and was rumored to have an NIL package in the two-million-dollar range — which naturally placed some hefty expectations on his shoulders.

Now, two games into his Wisconsin tenure, things have been rocky. He’s completed 31 of his 52 passes for 390 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He’s added 36 yards on the ground as well, but that too has been an underwhelming aspect considering that was one of his biggest selling points.

On top of that, the advanced metrics haven’t been too kind to him, posting a career-low 131.5 passer rating and a 52 QBR. Joseph has struggled to make even the easiest passes, missing a handful of what should’ve been easy completions within 10 yards, only adding frustration to his season.

The Badgers’ coaching staff have taken some heat off of him, announcing that Joseph had been dealing with a shoulder injury of sorts. But given the fact that they have kept him out there, the expectation is that he should be better than he has been.

Needs to get right fast

Now, with conference play looming around the corner, Joseph only has one more game against Eastern Michigan to get right before stacking up wins really begins to count. If he were to have another not-so-great performance against a team that he should dominate, it’s fair to reason that Fickell — whose job is on the line — may begin to look elsewhere for quarterback play.

All throughout camp, Deuce Adams was touted as arguably the most pure thrower of the football on the team, whilst freshman Ryan Hopkins — who got some opportunity against Western Illinois — was proclaimed as the most talented of the crop.

If Joseph isn’t able to fully acclimate himself to the Power Five level, then who’s to say Wisconsin won’t look to give another guy a chance in the near future? This is a bit of an overreaction, as odds are, Joseph will be given at least three more games before things actually start to materialize.

But don’t be surprised to see Hopkins or Adams get some burn early in the second half if things don’t change for Wisconsin’s QB1.

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