The Wisconsin quarterback room is something Luke Fickell continues to highlight and draw fans' attention to. It's because from top to bottom it's vastly better than it's ever been. The very bottom of the depth chart was the No. 2 starter last season. Danny O'Neil has been forgotten and buried on the chart, but as soon as his healing is complete, he may find his chances again.
While he's not considered fully healed and is taking light reps, he has been seen in spring practices. One video even surfaced a couple of weeks ago. O'Neil seems to be progressing well and should be ready by the start of the season, but the depth chart has him buried.
Danny O'Neil is throwing passes again at #Badgers practice, five months after hurting his Achilles.
— Karl Winter (@KarlWinterTV) April 14, 2026
This one is broken up by R-Fr. CB Jai'mier Scott, who had a big practice with a PBU and an interception in 7-on-7 play. pic.twitter.com/h0QDzMek2z
Danny O'Neil's spot on the depth chart isn't immediately clear after recovering from injury
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Luke Fickell has fully declared Colton Joseph as the QB1. That's not up for debate, and if he stays healthy, he's going to go the whole season as the starter. So that's the top of the depth chart. The No. 2 seems to be a battle between Louisville transfer Deuce Adams and true freshman Ryan Hopkins. You have to assume that Fickell would love to redshirt Hopkins with the idea of starting either next year (depending on Joseph).
Then it's Danny O'Neil and Carter Smith behind them. Both have starting experience last season with the Badgers. It's hard not to see O'Neil passing Smith, but that's how deep the quarterback room is now. There are three quarterbacks ahead of the No. 2 quarterback from last season.
O'Neil may end up transferring after this year, but he needed to remain with Wisconsin to heal and recover. He still has a lot of ability and skill that could contribute to the Badgers. Hopefully not this year (as that means there are injuries). The skill for the Badgers at quarterback is far better than it has ever been.
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