It’s been a minute, nearly five years actually, since a Wisconsin Badgers player snagged Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. But that drought is officially over because quarterback Colton Joseph just dropped a performance that earned him Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors, sharing the spotlight with Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.
Joseph’s Historic Run Puts Badgers Back in the Conversation
Seriously, this dude is on fire. Joseph had his second four-touchdown game of the season, completing 9 of 20 passes for 145 yards and three scores. But that’s not even the half of it, because he absolutely shredded defenders on the ground, rushing for 141 yards and another touchdown! We’re talking about a guy who has accounted for at least three touchdowns in three straight games, and he’s already racked up 13 for the season. And get this: his 141 rushing yards were the second most by a Badger quarterback in program history, trailing only Tanner McEvoy’s 158 back in 2014. If that wasn’t enough, he busted out a 47-yard touchdown run, the longest for a Wisconsin QB since 1998. The Big Ten even noted that Joseph is one of only four Big Ten quarterbacks since 2020 to pull off three passing touchdowns and 100+ rushing yards in a single game. This isn’t just a good game, this is a statement, and it’s the first time a Badgers player has grabbed a weekly award all season.
Smith Blows Up Records Alongside Joseph
While Joseph was tearing it up, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith was doing his own thing to share that Co-Offensive Player of the Week title. Smith went off against Iowa, snagging 11 passes for a whopping 206 yards and two touchdowns. That performance shattered Ohio State’s program records for both receiving touchdowns and receptions. And if that’s not crazy enough, it was Smith’s 15th career 100-yard receiving game, putting him right up there with Marvin Harrison Jr. for the most in program history. Both these guys were just absolutely dominant this week, and the Big Ten certainly had to take notice.
So, what’s next? Joseph is clearly establishing himself as a force early in the season, showing off that dual-threat ability that makes defensive coordinators sweat. With 13 touchdowns already on his ledger and breaking records left and right, the Badgers have a real weapon under center. It’s exciting to watch what he does next, especially as he continues to push Wisconsin into the conversation.
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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