Backup Wisconsin quarterback turning heads during spring practice

After rotating through four quarterbacks a year ago, the Wisconsin Badgers are looking to find more stability at this position in 2026 and beyond.

Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph should certainly help Luke Fickell's case, but injuries can happen, and that's something that has haunted the Badgers these past few seasons.

If necessary, freshman QB Ryan Hopkins is ready to go. Wisconsin's newest quarterback is fresh off a senior season where he had 2,410 total yards and 19 touchdowns. He's received incredibly high praise in spring ball, especially from second year quarterback coach Kenny Guiton.

"He's been a treat to coach," Guiton said during April 28th's media availability. "He's a guy that came in with the right mentality. He wants to lead. Yes, the football is working well, but he's bringing people along with him."

Guiton continued, "He's kind of an older guy in that young body. Still got that goofiness about him... but at the end of the day he's leading. I know the football will come. I saw him play in high school, recruited him quite a bit, and I just knew he could be a baller football-wise."

There's no doubt this is Joseph's team for potentially the next two seasons, but for a team that's struggled with depth at the QB position, this is music to Badgers fans' ears.

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