Wisconsin Needs a Quarterback - And the Transfer Portal Might Hold the Answer
As the college football offseason ramps up, so does the urgency in Madison. Wisconsin has a decision to make at the most important position on the field - and it’s becoming increasingly clear that standing pat might not be an option.
Carter Smith has shown flashes, but not enough to lock down the starting job heading into 2026. With the transfer portal heating up and head coach Luke Fickell entering a critical stretch in his tenure, the Badgers may need to swing big at quarterback.
The good news? The portal is already offering some intriguing options - and two names that have recently entered could be tailor-made for what Wisconsin needs.
Colton Joseph: A Dual-Threat Dynamo With Big-Game Potential
If you’re looking for a quarterback who can light up a stat sheet and keep defenses guessing, Colton Joseph checks a lot of boxes. After two seasons at Old Dominion, Joseph put together a breakout sophomore campaign that turned heads - over 2,600 passing yards and 1,000-plus on the ground.
That’s not just production, that’s versatility. He’s the kind of athlete who could thrive in Jeff Grimes’ system, which leans on mobility, tempo, and creative play design.
Joseph brings more than just numbers - he’s got experience, toughness, and a track record of staying on the field. Durability matters in the Big Ten, especially when you're facing physical defenses week in and week out. And with two years of eligibility left, he’s not just a one-year rental - he could be a foundational piece.
But he’s not without risk. Joseph plays with a bit of a gunslinger’s edge.
He’s not afraid to take chances - threading the needle into tight windows or tucking the ball and running when plays break down. That mindset can win you games, but it can also cost you.
All of Old Dominion’s losses last season came when Joseph threw multiple interceptions. That’s a stat that speaks volumes.
Still, in the right system with the right coaching, that aggressiveness could be harnessed into something special.
Marcus Stokes: Redemption Arc Meets Elite Production
Then there’s Marcus Stokes - a name that might not carry the same buzz as Joseph right now, but could end up being the most talented quarterback in the portal when all is said and done.
Stokes just wrapped up a monster season at West Florida, where he put up over 3,100 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, while completing better than 60% of his throws. Add in 336 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground, and you’ve got a quarterback who can hurt you in more ways than one.
But what makes Stokes’ story even more compelling is how far he’s come. Coming out of high school, he was a 4-star recruit with offers from top-tier programs.
He initially committed to Penn State, flipped to Florida, and looked poised to be a star in the SEC. But a mistake - a video surfaced of him using a racial slur - led to his dismissal from Florida before he ever played a snap.
That was three years ago. Since then, Stokes has done the work to rebuild his career and reputation.
He’s matured, grown as a leader, and proved he can perform under pressure. What he’s done at the DII level isn’t just impressive - it’s dominant.
And now, as a redshirt sophomore, he’s got multiple years of eligibility and a chip on his shoulder.
For Wisconsin, Stokes could be the kind of high-upside play that changes the trajectory of the program. He’s mobile, accurate, and experienced. And with the right support system, he could thrive in a Power Five environment.
Why Wisconsin Can’t Sit This One Out
The clock is ticking for Wisconsin. Luke Fickell’s first season didn’t deliver the leap many hoped for, and the Big Ten isn’t getting any easier.
With USC, Oregon, Washington, and UCLA joining the fold, the conference is about to become even more competitive. Standing still at quarterback just isn’t an option.
The portal opens to everyone on January 2, but the early action is already revealing just how deep this year’s crop of quarterbacks could be. Wisconsin has a chance to land a game-changer - someone who can elevate the offense and give this team a real shot at contending in 2026.
Whether it’s the proven explosiveness of Colton Joseph or the high-ceiling redemption story of Marcus Stokes, the Badgers need to be in the mix. Because in today’s college football landscape, waiting for a quarterback to develop isn’t always a luxury you can afford. Sometimes, you’ve got to go out and get your guy.
And for Wisconsin, that time is now.