Wisconsin's QB Carter Smith Steps Up Against No. 2 Hoosiers
ESPN, Nov 15, 2025
Wisconsin's football team is facing a challenging situation as they prepare to take on the highly ranked No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers. With their starting quarterback, Danny O'Neil, out due to a serious right leg injury, the Badgers turn to true freshman Carter Smith. This unexpected turn of events highlights the team's ongoing struggles with quarterback stability.
O'Neil's injury occurred during a 21-yard keeper in the first quarter of their recent 13-10 victory over the Washington Huskies. Despite his efforts, he had to be carted off the field, ruling him out for the upcoming game. This is a significant setback for the team, as O'Neil was a key player in their success.
Carter Smith, who made his season debut after O'Neil's injury, showed promise. He completed 3 out of 12 passes for 8 yards and also rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown. However, the team is also considering the option of senior Hunter Simmons, who has been a consistent performer this season with 485 yards and two touchdowns.
Indiana's wide receiver, Elijah Sarratt, is also in doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained against Maryland. This injury has kept him out of the Penn State game and will likely keep him sidelined until their next match against Purdue. Sarratt's absence could significantly impact Indiana's offensive strategy.
Wisconsin's quarterback issues have been a recurring problem throughout the season and Coach Luke Fickell's tenure. Billy Edwards Jr. suffered a knee sprain early in the season, limiting his playing time. Tanner Mordecai missed several games due to a broken hand, and Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke suffered a torn ACL in his third game. This pattern of injuries has left the team struggling to find a consistent starting quarterback.
The Badgers have only had their intended season-opening starting quarterback available for the full game in 11 out of 34 games since the start of the 2023 season. This lack of stability has impacted their performance and overall success. Coach Fickell is now tasked with finding a solution to this persistent issue, which could be a crucial factor in their upcoming games.
