Wisconsin will launch true freshman quarterback Carter Smith in their upcoming game against No. 2 Indiana. This decision comes after coach Luke Fickell announced that Smith would take over for Danny O’Neil, who sustained a right leg injury last week. O’Neil suffered the injury on a 21-yard run during the first quarter of Wisconsin’s narrow 13-10 victory against No. 23 Washington.
Impact of O’Neil’s Injury
The injury resulted in O’Neil being carted off the field, visibly distressed with a towel over his head. He will not participate in Saturday’s game against Indiana. In his brief stint following O’Neil’s departure, Smith completed 3 of 12 passes for a mere 8 yards, but also rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Situation at Wisconsin
In addition to Smith, senior Hunter Simmons is available as a backup. Simmons has thrown for 485 yards, connecting on 48 of 95 attempts, with two touchdowns and five interceptions this season. The quarterback instability has plagued Wisconsin for most of the season, causing challenges throughout Fickell’s coaching tenure.
- Billy Edwards Jr. started as the first-team quarterback but sprained his knee in the season opener and has been sidelined for much of the season.
- Tanner Mordecai missed three and a half games due to a broken hand.
- Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL in the third game of 2024.
Since the beginning of the 2023 season, Wisconsin’s designated starting quarterback has been available for only 11 of 34 games. The last time Fickell benefitted from having his starting quarterback healthy for an entire game was on September 7, 2024, during a 27-13 victory over South Dakota.
Indiana’s Injury Concerns
On the opposing side, Indiana faces potential challenges as well. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is listed as doubtful for the match. Sarratt is currently tied for the Big Ten lead with 10 touchdown receptions but has been nursing a hamstring injury sustained against Maryland on November 1. He also missed the recent game against Penn State. However, Sarratt is expected to return for the game against Purdue on November 28, following Indiana’s bye week.
This matchup promises to highlight the resilience of both teams amid injury struggles as Wisconsin starts a new quarterback against a formidable Indiana squad.
