There are more pressing matters to the Wisconsin Badgers than whether veteran quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will use a medical redshirt year and return to the program in 2025.
The team is 2-1 through three games, though it hasn’t shown the improvements many expected to see after a sub-par 2023 season. It now begins Big Ten play this Saturday at No. 13 USC. A strong showing during the conference schedule is pivotal to the future of the Luke Fickell era with the program.
Related: Wisconsin updated depth chart for Week 5 vs. USC includes new starters at quarterback, tight end
Nevertheless, there is the future-looking question of Wisconsin’s quarterback situation entering 2025.
Van Dyke would be eligible to use a medical redshirt season since his injury occurred during Wisconsin’s third game of the year. He could return, Wisconsin could find a veteran transfer for a third consecutive season, or Braedyn Locke could take the job.
A lot will be decided by Locke’s play as the Badgers’ starter through the rest of 2024.
Fickell addressed the situation when meeting with the media on Monday. 247Sports Evan Flood noted that the Wisconsin head coach left the door open for Van Dyke’s potential return.
Luke Fickell says he hasn’t talked with Tyler Van Dyke about potentially returning for another season, but hinted that door is open.
“We love Tyler and we love what he’s done…He’ll be in our plans as well.”
Also mentions he plans to speak with James Thompson Jr. about it too.…
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 23, 2024
Flood also noted the same for veteran defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., who suffered a significant injury during training camp.
Wisconsin has badly missed Thompson Jr. through its first three weeks of the season. His potential return in 2025 would be significant news as Fickell continues to develop his recently-recruited defensive personnel.
Van Dyke’s return, meanwhile, should be revisited after the season concludes. Wisconsin should not hesitate to move to Locke long-term if he excels through the rest of this season.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.