Wisconsin Badgers make surprising quarterback change against Washington Huskies

After four lackluster starts by Hunter Simmons, the Badgers are making a change at quarterback in hopes of snapping their six-game losing streak. But will a freshman QB make his debut?

Oct 18, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Wisconsin Badgers' merry-go-round at the quarterback position will continue Saturday against the No. 24 Washington Huskies.

After having Hunter Simmons start the last four games, Luke Fickell didn't commit to a starting quarterback during his weekly media availability.

However, with Billy Edwards still sidelined, and Simmons having completed 38 percent of his passes across his past three appearances, the Badgers are making a change.

Danny O'Neil to start against Washington

Pete Nakos of On3 Sports reported Saturday morning that Danny O'Neil is expected to start Wisconsin's afternoon matchup with the Huskies.

Wisconsin is making a quarterback change again and expected to go back to Danny O’Neil against Washington, sources tell @On3sports.

He came off bench for Billy Edwards and has thrown for 635 yards with 5 TDs and 5 INTs this season. https://t.co/A7Y5i2Jbct pic.twitter.com/0rPkqrSNyv

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 8, 2025

It'll be O'Neil's first start since the Badgers lost 38-14 to Alabama in Week 3. The sophomore QB completed 11 of his 17 passes for 117 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions during the contest.

However O'Neil played for almost the entirety of Wisconsin's Week 4 loss to Maryland, where he threw for 120 yards, no touchdowns and an interception while taking six sacks. Edwards started against the Terrapins but aggravated his knee injury at the beginning of the second drive.

O'Neil's starting status doesn't guarantee he'll be the quarterback to finish the game, though. Fickell hinted at the possibility of true freshman Carter Smith playing a role against Washington, saying Smith was even "in the mix" to start.

Luke Fickell says true freshman QB Carter Smith is "in the mix" to start against Washington, adding "it's not far-fetched to think that there isn't going to be a role and an opportunity for him, if it's not this week, here in the near future."

— Kedrick Stumbris (@KedrickStumbris) November 3, 2025

Given O'Neil's past struggles, it's likely he won't have a long leash if he is slow out of the gates.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes hasn't hesitated to use multiple quarterbacks in a game, as he mixed in O'Neil against Maryland when Edwards was available, and O'Neil saw some action against Ohio State as well.

That makes a Smith appearance even more likely. The four-star recruit hasn't made his college debut yet, and with just four games left on the schedule, he isn't in danger of burning his redshirt.

True freshman Carter Smith has been getting first-team reps since the bye week. Seems very likely he's part of the plan on Saturday and/or going forward.#Badgers https://t.co/As3ReYOCOp

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 8, 2025

In practice leading up to Saturday's contest, Smith took some first-team reps, so, even if he doesn't see the field against Washington, it looks like his debut is imminent.

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