Wisconsin QB Braedyn Locke wastes no time clearing up transfer portal speculation

Barring a stunning turn of events in which Wisconsin gets a bowl invite as a 5-7 team, the 2024 season is over for head coach Luke Fickell and his players. Already, we've seen multiple guys inform Fickell and his staff that they're planning to enter the transfer portal.

Already this fall, quarterback news there has come in, with Cole LaCrue deciding he won't be back in Madison next season. Will the same be the case for signal-caller Braedyn Locke? He took over as QB1 when Tyler Van Dyke went down with his torn ACL.

Things didn't go according to plan for him in 2024, as Locke was inconsistent with the ball in his hands. You can't put the team's struggles fully on him, though, as the youngster gave everything he had to try and help the Badgers post wins. There had been some speculation that following the loss to Minnesota, Locke could end up adding his name to the transfer list too. It doesn't look like that's going to happen.

Wisconsin QB Braedyn Locke wants to return for the 2025 season

Say what you want about Locke, but no one can deny that he worked his tail off to try and be at his best in '24. Unfortunately, his efforts fell short and the team posted its 5-7 record, losing the final five games of the campaign. Again, that's not all on Locke.

Van Dyke is still working his way back from his serious knee injury - no one knows if he's going to be back with the team next season or not. The hope is TVD will be back in the fold and remain the starter. Soon enough, four-star QB Carter Smith will be in town, while freshman Mabrey Mettauer will also be around.

Behind Van Dyke, Locke has the most experience on this team and Fickell trusted him with the ball in his hands late in the campaign. Wisconsin could end up looking at the transfer portal for QB help, but for now, Locke is planning to be back in a Badger uniform in '25.