A Crowded Quarterback Room
During the second preseason workout in Madison, the Badgers lined up four quarterbacks who each earned at least one carry for a substantial gain. Colton Joseph, Deuce Adams, Ryan Hopkins and Carter Smith rotated through 11‑on‑11 drills, showing the kind of mobility that can stretch defenses and keep opposing coordinators guessing.
Joseph arrived in Madison after a breakout season at Old Dominion, where he amassed 1,007 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The coaching staff immediately highlighted his strong arm, his ability to extend plays, and a swagger that translates into clutch moments on the field.
Jeff Grimes, the Badgers’ offensive coordinator, described Joseph as a true dual‑threat quarterback with a complete package of skills. He praised the quarterback’s work ethic, noting that Joseph embraces heavier workloads and the mental demands of practice without hesitation, and he even celebrated after a completion to wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. that reached deeper defensive levels.
The depth extends beyond Joseph. Adams and Hopkins, both transfers from the portal, bring their own skill sets, while returning signal‑caller Carter Smith adds another layer of experience. Even backup Danny O’Neil got a chance to showcase his own mobility during the session.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With a roster that blends proven production and fresh arms, Wisconsin’s coaching staff believes the offense can take a significant step forward in the 2026 season. The early impressions from practice suggest that the Badgers may have finally found the balance needed to compete at the top of the Big Ten.
If the momentum carried from the field carries into the fall, the Badgers could see a surge in scoring opportunities and a more dynamic attack. The competition among the quarterbacks will push each player to refine their craft, ultimately benefiting the team’s overall performance.