Wisconsin just pulled the trigger: true freshman Ryan Hopkins is officially starting at quarterback against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This isn’t just a simple rotation, folks, this is a seismic shift for the Badgers, coming just weeks after reports had them negotiating a 2027 contract with their now-benched starter, Colton Joseph.
The Brutal Truth Behind Joseph’s Bench
You read that right. The Badgers were reportedly talking an extension with Colton Joseph for the 2027 season a mere two weeks ago. Now, he is on the sidelines. Joseph got the hook last week after another rough passing performance against the Iowa Hawkeyes, with Hopkins stepping in for the fourth quarter. Sources told CBS Sports’s Matt Zenitz that Joseph “has been dealing with an injury,” and won’t start, with Hopkins expected to make his first career start. But don’t let the injury talk completely distract you: Zenitz also reported Joseph will be dressed and available if needed. The bigger story here is Joseph’s accuracy concerns, which have been dogging him since the start of the offseason and simply haven’t let up two-thirds into the year. He has struggled to produce in the passing game, forcing Wisconsin to lean way too heavily on his legs, though even that wasn’t the case against Iowa. This isn’t a minor slump; this is a full-blown struggle that’s now costing him his starting job, despite the team’s 5-3 record.
Enter the Freshman: Ryan Hopkins Takes the Reins
So, what did we see from Ryan Hopkins when he got his shot against Iowa? He racked up 93 passing yards on 8 of 13 attempts, which, to put it in perspective, was three more yards than Joseph produced in the same game. He threw an interception, yeah, but he also showed a confidence “ripping his throws” that Joseph has been missing. There were some “youthful moments with sacks,” sure, but that’s what you get with a true freshman tossed into the fire. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Wisconsin, who has leaned on transfer portal quarterbacks for four straight years. Now, with Joseph’s struggles, they’re handing the keys to a fresh face from within. Hopkins has four games to prove he is the guy, with Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota left on the schedule.
This move just threw a wrench into Wisconsin’s quarterback situation for 2027, making it a whole lot muddier. This isn’t just about winning their next game against Rutgers; it’s a four-game audition for Hopkins to show if he is truly ready for the full-time role next season, or if the Badgers are headed for even more difficult decisions at the most important position on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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