Tag: wisconsin

Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) runs the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers Sept. 27, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

QB questions swirl on both sides of Iowa-Wisconsin showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Both teams will be dealing with quarterback uncertainty when the Iowa Hawkeyes head to Madison, Wis., on Saturday for the annual battle for the Heartland Trophy.

Iowa (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten), coming off a bye, lost 20-15 at home to seventh-ranked Indiana two weeks ago. Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not return.

Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2) lost 24-10 at No. 15 Michigan on Saturday as third-string quarterback Hunter Simmons made his first start.

The Hawkeyes have dominated the series in recent years, winning three straight and four of the last five. Iowa pounded the visiting Badgers 42-10 last season. Wisconsin leads the historic series, which dates to 1894, with a record of 49-47-2.

“There’s no doubt that what happened last year is something that’s fresh in the minds of everybody on this team and a part of this program,” said Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell on Monday.

Gronowski has completed 68 of 106 passes for an average of 127.2 yards per game with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Backup Hank Brown completed 5 of 13 passes for 48 yards against Indiana. Jeremy Hecklinski is Iowa’s third option at quarterback.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday that Gronowski was medically cleared to play and was optimistic he would be ready for Wisconsin.

“So far, so good,” Ferentz said. “It’s been encouraging. Certainly, he’s getting some good work in. A week ago, I wasn’t so optimistic, but we’ll just take it as it goes this week.”

The Hawkeyes rank fourth nationally against the run, allowing just 69.4 yards per game. Iowa is 12th in total defense, surrendering 254.2 yards per contest, while averaging 327.4 on offense.

Wisconsin starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer from Maryland, suffered a sprained knee in the opening nonconference win over Miami (Ohio). Edwards tried to play in the Big Ten opener against Maryland, but came out after one series and did not play against the Wolverines.

Danny O’Neil, a sophomore transfer from San Diego State, completed 23 of 27 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns in his first start, a 42-10 rout of Middle Tennessee. But he proceeded to struggle against Alabama and Maryland.

Simmons, a redshirt senior transfer from Southern Illinois, completed 18 of 29 passes for 177 yards with one interception in the loss to Michigan.

Fickell did not have an update Monday on Edwards’ status, but said Simmons would probably start again if Edwards is unavailable, with O’Neil in the mix.

Wisconsin, which scored just 34 points over its last three losses, is averaging 309.2 yards per game, while allowing 316.6. The Badgers also have been tough against the run, giving up just 75 yards per game, sixth-best in the country.

Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen leads the nation in punt returns at 31.5 yards per return with one touchdown and is second in kickoff returns at 35.5 yards and another score.

–Field Level Media

Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) celebrates after earning a first down during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Billy Edwards Jr. leaves early as Wisconsin falters in loss to Maryland

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Billy Edwards Jr.’s return to action against his former team, Maryland, lasted just seven plays as his replacement, Malik Washington, ushered the Terrapins to a 27-10 victory over Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, in both teams’ Big Ten opener.

Washington paced Maryland’s (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) scoring attack in his first career road game, accounting for all three Terps touchdowns. The true freshman finished his day going 18-for-34 with 265 yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as one on the ground.

He delivered the game-ending strike on a 62-yard bomb to Shaleak Knotts, who dusted the entire Badgers defense with 9:03 left in the fourth quarter.

Edwards Jr., who appeared in 26 games for the Terrapins, helped lead Wisconsin (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) on a promising opening drive that went all the way to the Maryland 21-yard line.

It all went downhill for the Badgers afterward. The Terps blocked Wisconsin’s 38-yard field-goal attempt, then Edwards Jr., who missed the previous two games due to injury, would get injured once again on Wisconsin’s very next play. He did not return.

The Badgers followed this up with an interception, five punts and a turnover on downs to end the half scoreless.

Terps defensive back Jalen Huskey returned the Wisconsin interception all the way to the Badgers’ 4-yard line. Washington then punched it in from the 1-yard line with 6:22 left in the first quarter to open the scoring for the day.

Badgers backup Danny O’Neil finished the game 14-for-22 with 120 yards and an interception. The Terps sacked him six times and held the Badgers to under 300 total yards.

After blocking a Badgers punt, Washington and Knotts connected for the first time on the day for a 9-yard score to go up 14-0 with 13:47 left in the half.

The Terps ended the half with a pair of field goals from Sean O’Haire, a 49-yarder and a 26-yarder, to go up 20-0.

Wisconsin moved the ball better in the second half. O’Neil led the Badgers to a field goal on their opening drive of the half, a 33-yarder by Nathanial Vakos to make it 20-3.

Maryland started the second half with three straight three-and-outs before Washington capped a 99-yard drive with the deep shot to Knotts.

Wisconsin finally got in the end zone late as Hunter Simmons came in for O’Neil and found Lance Mason from 13 yards out with 28 seconds left in the game.

This was Maryland’s first-ever victory over Wisconsin.

–Field Level Media

Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9), who transferred in from Maryland in the offseason, is tended to after being injured during the second quarter of their game against Miami (Ohio) Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

‘Great barometer’ awaits Badgers and Terps in Big Ten opener

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The visiting Maryland Terps should provide the most accurate assessment yet for the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday in the Big Ten Conference opener for each team.

In its first real test, Wisconsin (2-1) was hammered 38-14 in a mistake-plagued loss Saturday at No. 14 Alabama after opening with home victories over Miami (Ohio) and Middle Tennessee State.

It’s fair to suggest Maryland (3-0) gets its first real test this week. The Terps, playing on the road for the first time, are coming off wins over Towson, Florida Atlantic and Northern Illinois by a combined 103-33 score.

“This will be a great barometer for what kind of team we have and what type of team we can be,” Maryland coach Mike Locksley said Tuesday.

Wisconsin held Alabama to just 72 yards rushing on 22 attempts, but Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson shredded the secondary for 382 yards and four touchdowns.

The main question for the Badgers is the status of starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., out since suffering a sprained knee in the season opener. Edwards passed for 2,281 yards with 15 touchdowns last season at Maryland before transferring.

“Billy is just going to be day-to-day,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said. “At some point we’re going to have to save Billy from Billy, but we’ve also got to make some decisions and move along during the week. Right now, we wouldn’t know.”

Reserve quarterback Danny O’Neil completed 11 of 17 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions versus Alabama. Wisconsin ran for just 92 yards on 34 attempts, an anemic 2.7 per carry.

The Badgers rank fifth in the nation in rushing defense at 46.3 yards per game, but they give up 224.3 yards per game through the air. The Badgers average 332.7 yards of total offense. Winless UCLA, which fired its coach this week, is the only Big Ten team that averages fewer.

When Edwards transferred to Wisconsin, that cleared the way for freshman Malik Washington to earn Maryland’s job. Washington completed 16 of 22 passes for 261 yards with one touchdown and one interception against Towson. He has completed 62 percent of his throws through three games for 773 yards, six scores and one pick.

La’khi Roland had a 100-yard interception return that put the Terps up 41-0 early in the third quarter against the overmatched Tigers.

The Terps average 382.7 yards per game while allowing 302. Maryland is 11-of-14 in red zone conversions, which includes five touchdowns.

Wisconsin has won all four meetings with Maryland, including a 23-10 win three years ago in Madison.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) runs the ball and is pursued by Alabama defensive lineman James Smith (23) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Complete effort gets No. 19 Alabama past Wisconsin

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Ty Simpson completed 24 of 29 passes and established career bests of 382 yards and four touchdowns to help No. 19 Alabama roll to an easy 38-14 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon at Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Ryan Williams returned from a one-game absence due to a concussion to make five catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns for the Crimson Tide (2-1). Germie Bernard also scored two touchdowns – one receiving, one rushing – as Alabama rolled to its second straight victory.

Bray Hubbard had two interceptions for the Crimson Tide, Isaiah Horton had a scoring reception and Alabama outgained the Badgers in yards 454-209.

Vinny Anthony II returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown for Wisconsin (2-1). Danny O’Neill again started in place of injured Billy Edwards Jr. (knee) and completed 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Jayden Ballard caught a 41-yard touchdown pass for the Badgers.

Simpson has completed 41 of 46 passes over the past two games. He completed his first pass of the game to run his completion streak to 18, one shy of the school mark set by Mac Jones in 2020. Simpson’s second pass was incomplete.

Simpson was 13 of 14 for 192 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as the Crimson Tide held a 21-0 lead.

The first score came on fourth-and-1 from the Wisconsin 2-yard line when Bernard lined up in the backfield. He took a handoff from Simpson and headed around left end and dove inside the pylon for the touchdown with 2:24 left in the first quarter.

Bernard also scored Alabama’s next touchdown on a 43-yard catch and run from Simpson. Bernard made the reception at the Wisconsin 24 and peddled his way into the end zone with 12:05 left in the second quarter.

The Crimson Tide’s third first-half score capped an eight-play, 98-yard drive. Simpson hit Horton from 13 yards out to culminate it with 45 seconds left before halftime.

Alabama’s offense continued to roll in the second half. On the first play, the Crimson Tide ran a double-reverse pass in which Williams eventually caught Simpson’s toss 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage and turned it into a 75-yard touchdown play to make it 28-0.

The Badgers got on the board on the ensuing kickoff as Anthony caught the ball at the 5 and was in the clear just prior to midfield en route to the touchdown.

Williams then made it 35-7 when he caught Simpson’s pass at the Wisconsin 21 and raced into the end zone with 11:02 left in the third quarter.

Williams could have had a third touchdown but dropped a pass in the end zone with 13:59 left in the game. Conor Talty entered to boot a 33-yard field goal.

O’Neill’s 41-yard scoring pass to Ballard occurred with 5:29 remaining.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) reacts to a play against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Report: Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. doubtful at Alabama

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Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is expected to miss his second straight game on Saturday at No. 19 Alabama, ESPN reported Thursday.

Danny O’Neil likely will be under center again for the Badgers (2-0) after throwing for 283 yards and three scores in last week’s 42-10 win against Middle Tennessee.

Edwards sustained a knee sprain in the season-opening 17-0 win against Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 28 and is regarded as day-to-day.

A sophomore transfer from San Diego State, O’Neil has completed 35 of 46 passes (76.1 percent) for 403 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in two games this season.

After facing the Crimson Tide (1-1) in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, the Badgers will host Maryland on Sept. 20 and have a bye week before visiting No. 23 Michigan on Oct. 4.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (2), who is out with an injury, congratulates teammates after a touchdown against UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama star WR Ryan Williams (concussion) expected to play vs. Wisconsin

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Alabama star receiver Ryan Williams is expected to play Saturday against Wisconsin, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer said on Wednesday.

Williams missed last weekend’s 73-0 drubbing of UL Monroe due to a concussion sustained in Week 1 against Florida State. He was injured in the fourth quarter of a 31-17 loss.

“Ryan Williams, we expect him to play,” DeBoer said on the Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference.

Williams, a sophomore, had five receptions for just 30 yards with a long gain of 11 against the Seminoles.

Williams excelled last season by catching 48 passes for a team-high 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores and averaged 10.0 yards returning punts for the Crimson Tide.

No. 1 running back Jam Miller (collarbone) is expected to play for the first time this season. Defensive tackle Tim Keenan III (ankle) and linebacker Jah-Marien Latham (leg) are also questionable, according to the coach.

“Jah-Marien Latham and Jam Miller and TK are all gonna be game-time decisions,” DeBoer said. “They’re getting their work in, making some progress. And so not much difference between all three of them, even though they are different injuries.”

Tight end Danny Lewis (leg) will again sit out for No. 19 Alabama (1-1) against the Badgers (2-0). DeBoer said Lewis is making progress.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws against UL Monroe behind a block by Alabama offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark (56) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Streaky Ty Simpson, No. 19 Alabama host 2-0 Wisconsin

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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson found his footing with a perfect throwing performance in Week 2.

Now Simpson and the No. 19 Crimson Tide aim to build off the biggest shutout win in school history when Alabama faces Wisconsin in nonconference play on Saturday afternoon at Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Simpson completed all 17 of his passes and set a school record for consecutive completions to start a game as the Crimson Tide routed UL Monroe 73-0 last weekend. His performance leaves him two shy of the longest streak in program history: Mac Jones’ 19 straight completions in 2020 that began with eight to close out against Georgia and finished by hitting his first 11 passes versus Tennessee.

Simpson passed for 226 yards and three touchdowns against UL Monroe as Alabama (1-1) bettered a 66-0 victory over Cal in 1973 for largest shutout margin.

New Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was beaming over Simpson’s performance.

“I thought he was extremely decisive,” Grubb told reporters. “He was very dialed on his reads. He didn’t pass up open players. I thought he played great. I thought he was really, really into the game plan all week and I was really hopeful that he was gonna play very, very well.”

The Crimson Tide outgained the Warhawks 583-148 in the follow-up to a disappointing 31-17 loss to Florida State in Week 1.

Alabama star receiver Ryan Williams is still working his way through concussion protocol and his availability remains uncertain. He was injured in the fourth quarter of the Florida State game and sat out against UL Monroe.

Top running back Jam Miller (collarbone) missed both games, but he’s making a push to return against the Badgers.

“You can see that with Jam. He’s champing at the bit,” said Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer. “We’ve just got to make sure we’re making a smart decision. That will be left up to our training staff and our doctors and also how Jam feels. He’s making a lot of progress.”

Alabama clobbered Wisconsin 42-10 last season in Madison in the first of the two-game series.

The Badgers (2-0) have played two light foes this season, beating Miami (Ohio) 17-0 and routing Middle Tennessee 42-10 last week.

San Diego State transfer Danny O’Neill completed 23 of 27 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against Middle Tennessee while starting in place of injured quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.

Edwards sustained a sprained left knee in the victory over Miami (Ohio).

“I don’t know a whole lot,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said of Edwards’ status. “We’ll see as we continue to push forward in the week, but we’ll get obviously prepared either way.”

The Badgers will need a better defensive showing this time around as they struggled against former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe last season.

While the competition hasn’t been heavy, the defensive numbers are stellar through two games. Wisconsin ranks third nationally in total defense (169.0 yards per game) and tied for sixth in scoring defense (5.0 points per game). Standout safety Preston Zachman has a team-leading two interceptions.

Fickell maintains the Badgers are vastly improved from the squad that went 5-7 last season and ended the school’s bowl appearances streak at 22.

“I think we’re in a better place at every position,” Fickell said. “The depth of the offensive line is the one spot that continues to be an issue or stands out a little bit to you, but as a whole and as a team, I think where we are and the things that we’re doing, I think that’s where everything’s got to start.”

Wisconsin will be attempting to halt Alabama’s 13-game home winning streak.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) hands off the ball against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Danny O’Neil helps Wisconsin handle Middle Tennessee

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After a slow start, Wisconsin overwhelmed visiting Middle Tennessee with three touchdowns in a 12:04 stretch of the second half to roll to a 42-10 win on Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Badgers (2-0) held a narrow 14-10 lead midway through the third quarter with the Blue Raiders (0-2) driving into Wisconsin territory. Christian Alliegro’s stop of MTSU running back Jekail Middlebrook on fourth-and-1 at the Badgers 24-yard line proved pivotal, as Wisconsin erupted from there.

On the ensuing change of possession, Trech Kekahuna went 61 yards for a touchdown. Wisconsin then forced a quick three-and-out and took over at the 50-yard line, scoring again on a 14-yard Vinny Anthony II carry.

Another Blue Raiders punt pinned Wisconsin at its own 1-yard line, but the Badgers carved out large chunks of yardage to set up quarterback Danny O’Neil connecting with Jayden Ballard on a 58-yard touchdown pass.

The score was O’Neil’s second of the afternoon and capped the game-changing stretch. O’Neil finished 23-of-27 passing for 283 yards with three touchdown tosses, including a 17-yard connection with Lance Mason to complete the sixth Wisconsin scoring drive in seven possessions.

The scoring reception was part of a seven-catch, 102-yard afternoon for Mason.

That roll came only after MTSU blanked the Badgers for the game’s first 21:40. The Blue Raiders forced punts on Wisconsin’s first two possessions, but could only capitalize with a 27-yard Jacob Hathaway field goal in the first quarter.

O’Neil got the Badgers on the board with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tyrell Henry midway through the second quarter, capping an 11-play, 80-yard drive. Wisconsin struck again in the period on a Dilin Jones goal-line touchdown carry, but the Blue Raiders answered when Damonte Smith’s interception of O’Neill set up MTSU in the red zone.

Nick Vattiato threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Tipton just before halftime, and the resulting four-point margin was as close as the Blue Raiders would be for the rest of the day.

Vattiato went 20-of-31 passing for 197 yards. The MTSU aerial attack got little support from the rushing game, with Wisconsin stymying the Blue Raiders to just 33 yards on 28 attempts.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) hands the football off to running back Darrion Dupree (6) during the fourth quarter against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin likely to turn to QB Danny O’Neil vs. Middle Tennessee

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Wisconsin is expected to turn to backup quarterback Danny O’Neil when it hosts Middle Tennessee in a nonconference game Saturday in Madison, Wis.

The Badgers (1-0) opened the season with a 17-0 nonconference victory at home over Miami (Ohio) but lost starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. midway through the second quarter.

Middle Tennessee (0-1) opened with a 34-14 loss to Austin Peay, its first defeat to an FCS team since 2012.

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said Tuesday that Edwards, a transfer from Maryland, had not practiced and it was unlikely that he would play.

O’Neil, a sophomore transfer from San Diego State, completed 12 of 19 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for a score against the RedHawks.

“I’m sure he’ll be the first to tell you that, while he was prepared, he also probably recognized some areas where, ‘OK, I’ve got to do a better job,’” Fickell said of O’Neil.

The Badgers finished with 353 yards total offense, including 165 on the ground. Redshirt freshman Dilin Jones ran for 73 yards on 14 carries.

Wisconsin’s defense held Miami to just 117 yards total offense, including 34 yards on the ground in 22 attempts. The RedHawks also were 0-for-9 on third-down conversions.

“After Week 1, there’s a lot of things that you’ve got to go back and kind of figure out whether you played really well or you didn’t play as well,” Fickell said. “There’s situations in all of it that I think was really good for us. Handling some adversity, obviously, with Billy going down.”

Middle Tennessee fell behind 21-0 and couldn’t recover against Austin Peay, which finished with a 343-153 advantage in total offense.

The Blue Raiders rushed for just 44 yards on 22 carries and managed just four first downs on the ground.

Nicholas Vattiato completed 15 of 36 passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

The Blue Raiders were 0-for-12 in third-down situations and converted 1 of 4 on fourth down.

“This team has had to get back in the film room and look at ourselves, see who we are, and what can be evaluated from game one to game two,” Blue Raiders coach Derek Mason said Monday.

–Field Level Media

Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) walks to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter of their game against Miami (Ohio) Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Reports: Injured Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. expected back soon

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Wisconsin starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is expected to be recovered from a leg injury in 1-2 weeks, a timeline that indicates he will be available to play against Alabama.

According to multiple reports on Friday, Edwards avoided a major leg injury when he was forced out of his debut Thursday night in a game the Badgers went on to win 17-0 over Miami (Ohio) in Madison, Wis.

Edwards, who passed for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns last season as the starter at Maryland, completed 6 of 13 passes for 68 yards before the injury.

Multiple trainers tended to Edwards while he was seated on the turf in the second quarter. He eventually walked to the locker room under his own power but didn’t return to the game.

Sophomore Danny O’Neil, a transfer from San Diego State, replaced Edwards. He completed 12 of 19 passes with one touchdown and an interception. He was sacked three times but rushed for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Wisconsin hosts Middle Tennessee on Sept. 6, then visits No. 8 Alabama on Sept. 13 in a marquee nonconference game before facing Edwards’ former team Sept. 20 in Madison.

–Field Level Media