newsweek
Wisconsin is expected to hand the reins of its offense to a freshman quarterback as it aims to bounce back from its first shutout defeat of the season. Ryan Hopkins is anticipated to make his first career start on Saturday against Rutgers, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported on Friday. The move comes as starter Colton Joseph deals with an injury and is not expected to start.
The report does not clarify whether Joseph will be completely unavailable, but it positions Hopkins for a major opportunity with the Badgers just one win away from bowl eligibility. Hopkins saw extended action in last Saturday's 30-0 loss at Iowa, taking over for Joseph after Wisconsin's offense struggled to move the ball. The freshman completed 8 of 13 passes for 93 yards and threw an interception, while Joseph finished 5 of 14 for 90 yards.
That performance only intensified questions about Wisconsin's passing attack. Joseph has now thrown for fewer than 100 yards in three consecutive games and has completed 55.6% of his passes this season for 1,346 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Coach Luke Fickell initially characterized Hopkins' appearance against Iowa as a chance to get the freshman on the field rather than a signal of a permanent change. "I wish we'd given him more opportunities earlier in the season," Fickell said.
Now Hopkins is expected to get the opportunity to lead the offense from the opening possession. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback arrived at Wisconsin from California's Mater Dei High School. Saturday would give him his first chance to demonstrate how he handles a full game as the starter after spending the early part of the season behind Joseph. Joseph has delivered important moments for Wisconsin, including a late touchdown pass that helped beat Penn State earlier this season. His expected absence comes as the Badgers try to regain that offensive effectiveness following the Iowa loss.
Wisconsin enters Saturday at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, while Rutgers is 2-6 and 1-4. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a 28-21 loss to Michigan and have allowed more than 25 points in each of their six defeats. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium on Big Ten Network. A seventh consecutive home victory would secure Wisconsin's sixth win. Hopkins' expected debut gives the Badgers a chance to reach that milestone while learning whether their youngest quarterback can provide the offensive spark they lacked at Iowa.
Key Analysis
The decision to start Hopkins signals a potential shift in direction for Wisconsin's offense, which has sputtered in recent weeks. Joseph's struggles, particularly in the passing game, have raised concerns about the unit's consistency. Hopkins, a highly touted freshman, offers upside and mobility but remains untested over a full game. His performance against Rutgers could determine whether the Badgers stick with him beyond this week or return to Joseph once healthy. With bowl eligibility on the line and a home winning streak at stake, the stakes are high for both the team and the young quarterback.
Originally reported by newsweek.