Fickell: Colton Joseph’s growth has been ‘unbelievable’ as a player and a leader

TL;DR

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell praises Colton Joseph's remarkable growth as both a player and a leader. Joseph, a transfer quarterback from Old Dominion, is adapting well to the team's system and showing increasing confidence on the field.

Key points

Colton Joseph is a transfer quarterback from Old Dominion.
Luke Fickell highlights Joseph's growth in confidence and leadership.
Joseph is Wisconsin's fourth starting transfer quarterback in four years.

Wisconsin BadgersOld Dominion MonarchsColton Joseph

Sep 13, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph (1) warms up before the game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images This season, all eyes will be on Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who was the prized possession of the transfer portal for the Wisconsin Badgers this offseason. Joseph, a 6’2, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback, seemed like a quality fit in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’s offense as a signal-caller who could make a difference with his legs and open up the offense, while also having the arm talent and willingness to challenge defenses down the field. Of course, he’s also Wisconsin’s fourth starting transfer quarterback in four years, so there is a natural learning curve, as well as some time needed for Joseph to emerge as a leader of the program. So, how has Joseph fared so far when it comes to that chemistry aspect and his understanding of the offense so far? “We always want guys further along than wherever they are,” head coach Luke Fickell said when asked about Joseph. “I mean, we’ve got to keep pushing this. The nature of college football is, we don’t have pros yet, right? Our job is to get them to be a pro. And there’s some guys that are the highest level, then they’re right there at the very tip of it, but we got to keep pushing. And he’s one of those guys. “There’s just so much on his plate as a new guy in this system, in this program, that no matter where he is, there’s going to be something more. And, you know, it gives us the opportunity to continue to climb. But I think that each and every day, the greatest thing I can say is each and every day, you see a greater confidence in him. Whether it’s just the way he throws the ball, the way he communicates in the huddle, the way he leads. And you see guys that are gravitating more and more to him. And, we’d love to be able to go some actual live ball, and they’ve asked before, but as we’ve all seen with our history so far the last couple years of quarterbacks, we try to be as smart as we can and protect those guys. “But his growth has been unbelievable, and I just think that not just from my perspective but also you even see the guys around him, the growth and their ability to kind of gravitate to him. You have to have it at the quarterback position. It’s always a thing that is growing. It’s like culture, right? I mean, culture is never just set. Culture is constantly growing and developing. And I think that’s the same thing with the leadership of the quarterback and Colton in particular. It works.”

Q&A

What did Luke Fickell say about Colton Joseph's leadership?

Luke Fickell described Colton Joseph's growth in leadership as 'unbelievable,' noting that teammates are increasingly gravitating towards him.

How is Colton Joseph adapting to Wisconsin's offense?

Colton Joseph is adjusting well to the offensive system, demonstrating improved confidence in his throwing and communication skills.

Why is Colton Joseph considered a key player for the Badgers this season?

Colton Joseph is seen as a crucial player due to his dual-threat capabilities and the need for a strong leader at the quarterback position after three previous transfer quarterbacks.