Wisconsin quarterback transfers to play for Badgers’ former offensive coordinator

Another Wisconsin quarterback announces transfer destination

Former Wisconsin quarterback Mabrey Mettauer transferred to Sam Houston State on Sunday.

The move reunites Mettauer with former Badgers’ offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who accepted the Bearkats’ head coach job this month.

Related: Where Wisconsin football transfers have signed so far

Mettauer departs after one season with the Badgers. He joined the program as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024, ranked as the No. 462 player in the class and the No. 31 quarterback.

The Texas native appeared in three games as a true freshman, completing one pass for two yards. He played most of the season as the team’s primary backup behind starter Braedyn Locke.

247Sports ranks the 6-foot-4 quarterback as a three-star transfer, the No. 611 overall player in the portal and the No. 66 quarterback.

Mettauer was a center of conversation throughout the 2024. Starter Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL in the team’s Week 3 loss to Alabama, giving the job to Braedyn Locke for the remainder of the season. Locke struggled at times, especially in the Badgers’ late-season losses to Iowa and Oregon. Many wanted to see Mettauer take over under center during that stretch. Despite that external conversation, Wisconsin never made a change at the position.

Mettauer joins a Sam Houston State program that went 10-3 in 2024, including a New Orleans Bowl win over Georgia Southern. Coach K.C. Keeler left for the Temple job at the end of the regular season, leading to the program’s hire of Longo.

The young quarterback should have an opportunity to see the field with the Bearkats. If all goes well, he could transfer back to the Power Four level.

For more on where Wisconsin transfers end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer portal departure tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin quarterback enters NCAA transfer portal

Another Wisconsin quarterback has entered the portal

Wisconsin freshman quarterback Mabrey Mettauer is entering the transfer portal, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

He is the 23rd Wisconsin scholarship player to enter. His departure also completes Wisconsin’s top-down turnover at quarterback: 2024 starters Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke are also in the portal.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Mettauer joined the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024. He was ranked as the No. 462 player in the class, No. 31 quarterback and No. 74 recruit from the state of Texas. He chose Wisconsin over offers from Florida, LSU, Miami and Ole Miss.

He played sparingly as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in three games and attempting one pass: a two-yard completion.

Mettauer figured to be next in Wisconsin’s succession plan at the position, specifically in Phil Longo’s air raid scheme. That outlook changed with Longo’s departure, the hire of new coordinator Jeff Grimes and the transfer additions of quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil.

He enters the portal with four years of eligibility remaining

Wisconsin’s outlook at quarterback changed drastically over the last month. The program moved on from Longo’s air raid scheme to a more pro-style approach under Grimes. It added Edwards Jr. (one year of eligibility remaining) and O’Neil (three years remaining) in the portal and added top-ranked quarterback Carter Smith in the class of 2025. That trio gives the program clear options over the next few seasons. The addition of each made it increasingly unlikely Mettauer would win the starting job in 2025 or beyond.

It will be worth monitoring the performances of Van Dyke, Locke and Mattauer at their new destinations. For where each ends up, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Luke Fickell clarifies Badgers starting quarterback moving forward

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell clarifies Badgers starting quarterback moving forward

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell offered a firm update on the Badgers’ quarterback situation on Monday.

When asked by media about redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke’s status as UW’s starting quarterback, Fickell didn’t hesitate. Locke will remain the team’s starter.

The update arrives two days after UW dropped its marquee matchup against No. 1 Oregon. Wisconsin led 13-6 at the beginning of the final quarter before allowing 10 points to the top-ranked Ducks. Locke struggled in the contest, completing 12 of 28 passes for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The update also arrives the day after Wisconsin fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

Fresh off a three-game losing streak and after that coaching change, UW looks to regroup for its Nov. 23 game with Locke under center.

In nine games this season, Locke has completed 129 pass attempts for 1,514 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. He is up to 10 turnovers in seven starts since taking over for Tyler Van Dyke after his injury.

Wisconsin’s other option at the position is true freshman Mabrey Mettauer. The four-star recruit has attempted just one collegiate pass, and he appears far from ready for high-stakes game action.

Given Locke’s sample size as the starter this season, fans can expect more of the same from the second-year Badger. Taking care of the football is critical for Wisconsin to take care of business against rival Nebraska.

The Badgers and Cornhuskers are scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo updates Badgers quarterback situation

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo updates Badgers quarterback situation

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo provided an update on the Badgers’ quarterback situation on Monday.

When asked whether the Badgers could turn to true freshman quarterback Mabrey Mettauer, Longo quickly put the idea to rest.

“Mabrey is progressing,” Longo told reporters. “I think we’re not at a point right now where we’re going to do anything.”

The Badgers offensive coordinator made it clear Wisconsin will continue to put its faith in redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke.

In eight games this season, Locke has completed 117 pass attempts for 1,418 yards and eight touchdowns. The Rockwell, Texas, native has also thrown eight interceptions, including two in Wisconsin’s 42-10 loss in its most recent game against Iowa on Nov. 2.

Simply put: both Wisconsin’s staff and fans know what to expect from Locke when he’s under center. If UW is rolling, he manages a balanced offensive attack. If the Badgers are struggling, the game can get ugly quickly.

That’s why some are calling for Longo to play Mettauer in the Badgers’ final stretch of the season. During his tenure at The Woodlands High School, the 6-foot-4 prospect earned Texas District 13-6A Overall MVP as a sophomore and Texas District 13-6A Co-Offensive MVP as a junior. He holds the program record for career passing yardage and single-season passing yardage.

Still, Wisconsin’s final three games are against No. 1 Oregon (home), Nebraska (away) and Minnesota (home). That’s not exactly ideal for someone with one pass attempt in his collegiate tenure at Wisconsin.

UW and Locke will host the Ducks on Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Luke Fickell shares season outlook for Wisconsin true freshman quarterback

Luke Fickell shares season outlook for Wisconsin true freshman quarterback

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell shared a clear forecast for true freshman Mabrey Mettauer for the remainder of the season.

When asked about whether Badger fans would see Mettauer in 2024, Fickell shared a short update with reporters.

“He’s gonna have to be ready,” Fickell said.

The need for Mattauer arises following a season-ending ACL injury to starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. The former Miami Hurricane went down in Wisconsin’s first series against No. 4 Alabama on Saturday.

In response, Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo now turn to redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke. Locke threw for 125 yards and a touchdown in Van Dyke’s absence on Saturday.

Simply put: Locke didn’t look ready for Alabama’s defense. UW’s overall offensive schemes appeared inconsistent as well.

The chatter surrounding Mattauer, then, may be warranted.

During his tenure at The Woodlands High School, the 6’4” prospect earned Texas District 13-6A Overall MVP as a sophomore and Texas District 13-6A Co-Offensive MVP as a junior. He also holds the program record for career passing yardage and single-season passing yardage.

https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/1835043397578768744

While all signs indicate that Fickell and company will roll with Locke, Mattauer’s success in such a competitive recruiting field could elevate him into playing opportunities sooner rather than later.

After all, he earned offers from the likes of Ole Miss, LSU, Miami (Florida), Baylor, Colorado and Louisville. He was also considered a four-star by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports coming out of high school.

If Locke struggles or is forced to miss time, Wisconsin will turn to Mattauer as the clear next option.

UW will return to the field on Sept. 28 for its Week 5 game against USC in Los Angeles.

Future Wisconsin QB joins Locked On Badgers podcast

Four-star QB hops on Locked on Badgers

The 2024 recruiting class for the Badgers football team had a momentous day last Wednesday, officially signing over 20 incoming freshman, including four-star quarterback Mabrey Mettauer. Mettauer hopped on the Locked On Badgers podcast this week, talking with host Ryan Harings about himself ahead of the 2024 campaign.

The quarterback finished his senior season at The Woodlands High School (Texas), racking up 2,305 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through the air. He also added 392 rushing yards while scoring five times on the ground,

Mettauer is expected to compete with the likes of transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) and Braedyn Locke for the starting job in Madison next season.

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LOOK: Future Badgers QB shares high school highlights

QB of the future posts his early season high school highlights

Badgers class of 2024 three-star quarterback Mabrey Mettauer shared his Week 1 through 5 high school highlights via his “X” account Monday. Mettauer is in his final season at The Woodlands high school in Texas and he’ll be joining Wisconsin next year.

To this point, he has recorded 1,056 passing yards while adding 17 touchdowns through the air, producing a 151.0 QBR through the first five contests. Mettauer has also added 172 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

The dual-threat signal-caller will likely compete with the likes of Braedyn Locke, Nick Evers and Myles Burkett at quarterback in Phil Longo’s “Air Raid” offense in Madison next season.

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WATCH: Badger QB commit lights up opponent on homecoming

Mettauer goes off for homecoming

The Badgers class of 2024 four-star quarterback commit Mabrey Mettauer has been having a very strong senior campaign with The Woodlands in Texas.

He went off at The Woodlands’ homecoming game Friday night, passing four five touchdowns in his team’s 56-13 victory over Spring Grand Oaks. He is now up to 15 touchdown passes on the year through four games.

Mettauer will arrive in Madison after the conclusion of his senior year and he could potentially compete with the likes of Braedyn Locke and Nick Evers for the starting quarterback role with the Badgers in 2024.

As for now, the four-star quarterback will look to finish strong.

 

Future Wisconsin quarterback puts up crazy stat line

Future Wisconsin quarterback puts up crazy stat line

Future Wisconsin Badger Mabrey Mettauer, who committed to Wisconsin under the previous regime, had a record-setting night for The Woodlands High School in Texas on Thursday.

In a 55-26 win over Oak Ridge, the class of 2024 product threw for 416 yards, six touchdowns, and did not throw an interception. This performance earned him the 6A Player of the Week award in the state of Texas.

His team totaled 606 yards of offense, and the future Badger gunslinger was responsible for 521 of those yards. He is a dual-threat quarterback with a massive arm and impressive size at 6-foot-5.

Badger fans should be excited about their future at quarterback.

Wisconsin’s class of 2024 quarterback commit now a four-star prospect

Some in the industry are high on Wisconsin class of 2024 commit Mabrey Mettauer:

Wisconsin class of 2024 commit quarterback Mabrey Mettauer was bumped up to a four-star prospect on 247Sports’ composite ranking yesterday.

The composite ranking takes into account both 247Sports’ own rankings —  which has Mettauer as a three-star recruit and 87 rating — and ratings from across the industry. The simple translation here is other recruiting sites are high on the Texas native, including Rivals and ESPN which have him as a four-star and On3 which has him at a 88.49 rating.

247Sports’ composite ranking currently has Mettauer as the No. 379 overall player in the class of 2024, the No. 25 quarterback and the No. 62 recruit from his home state of Texas.

Mettauer committed to Wisconsin in late December and was the program’s first player in the class of 2024. His commitment came during Luke Fickell and Phil Longo’s torrid stretch in the transfer portal, committing during the same timeframe as transfer quarterbacks Nick Evers, Braedyn Locke and Tanner Mordecai.

Related: How Wisconsin’s class of 2024 compares to the Paul Chryst-era classes

With the young signal-caller now a four-star recruit, Wisconsin’s class of 2024 moves from a blue-chip ratio of 14% to 21.4%. There are more commitments still to come, several of which figure to be blue-chip prospects. But the current mark of 21.4% would mirror that of the program’s 2019 recruit class which finished No. 28 nationally.

The movement did also jump Wisconsin’s class of 2024 up to No. 13 nationally at this early point in the process.