The Wisconsin Badgers have faced a string of challenges with injuries since head coach Luke Fickell took the helm, particularly at quarterback. The team has seen a revolving door of starters due to unfortunate setbacks over the past few seasons.
Back in 2023, the Badgers were cruising with a 4-1 record when Tanner Mordecai suffered a broken hand, derailing their Big Ten West title hopes. The following year, Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL in Week 3, and in 2025, Billy Edwards managed to play just two games. The injury bug didn’t stop there, as the offensive line also took a hit, leading to constant reshuffling.
This created a tough situation for offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes in his debut year, with the Badgers ranking near the bottom in both scoring and yards per game among Division I teams. Grimes opened up about these challenges during a recent spring practice session.
“Well, I think your game plan and the evolution of your offense and the play calling, all of that is based on what you have,” Grimes explained. “There were times last year where our style of offense and play calling had to adapt based on who was available. Whether it was a change from a pocket passer to a dual-threat quarterback or adjusting because our best tight end was out, it’s my job to make those changes.”
The frustration was palpable. “It was certainly frustrating and disappointing.
I want the people of Wisconsin to feel proud of their football team. I see the passion fans have for this place, and it drives me to win for them.
But the beauty of coaching is the chance to move forward each year. We’re not dwelling on last season; we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
This offseason, the Badgers made strategic moves to bolster their roster. They brought in Colton Joseph, a dual-threat quarterback from Old Dominion, who seems to be a perfect fit for Grimes’s offensive scheme.
Alongside him, new running backs, a group of wide receivers, a pair of tight ends, and some fresh faces on the offensive line have joined the team, thanks to increased financial resources. These additions are set to ignite a turnaround after a few challenging seasons.