Tag: Quarterbacks

Report: Wisconsin quarterback to enter transfer portal

Report: Wisconsin quarterback to enter transfer portal

Wisconsin redshirt freshman quarterback Cole LaCrue is expected to enter the transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

LaCrue, who committed to Wisconsin on Nov. 7, 2022, did not take a snap with UW in either 2023 or 2024. Following a season-ending injury to Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke, LaCrue served as Wisconsin’s third-string quarterback this season behind Braedyn Locke and true freshman Mabrey Mettauer.

A native of Broomfield, Colorado, LaCrue departed Broomfield High School as a three-star recruit with offers from Wisconsin, Colorado, Central Michigan, South Dakota, Northern Colorado and Tulane. Roughly one week after receiving his offer from the Badgers, LaCrue committed to join the program.

LaCrue tossed 57 touchdowns at Bloomfield and compiled more than 6,000 yards in three varsity seasons. In 2022, his final year in high school, he threw for 2,647 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, per UW Athletics.

That same season, he led the Bengals to a 2022 Class 4A state title and was named Colorado 4A Player of the Year.

Wisconsin’s future at quarterback is unlikely to be on the current roster. The program’s decision to fire offensive coordinator Phil Longo may lead to a personnel overhaul. At the least, the new offensive coordinator will want to hand-pick a quarterback that fits the new scheme.

Wisconsin football offers Virginia Tech commit, top class of 2026 quarterback

Wisconsin football offers Virginia Tech commit, top class of 2026 quarterback

The Wisconsin Badgers extended an offer to top class of 2026 quarterback Peyton Falzone on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound prospect joins three-star Ryan Hopkins as notable quarterback recruits for the class of 2026 to receive offers from Wisconsin over the past month. And, like fellow 2026 recruit Jonathan Hatton Jr., Falzone announced his collegiate decision last summer.

However, Falzone’s decision to commit to Virginia Tech appears nowhere near finalized. Despite offering his pledge in late June, the Nazareth, Pennsylvania product looks like he could flip his decision before beginning his college career in 2026.

On3’s recruiting prediction machine deems Falzone’s choice as amendable. The outlet currently projects the Penn State Nittany Lions to land the pass-thrower with over a 37.3% likelihood. Syracuse, at 32.6%, also holds a higher chance than the Hokies do at this stage of the process.

Another plus for the Badgers — only seven programs are listed on Falzone’s offer sheet. That list includes Virginia Tech, Penn State, Syracuse, Kent State, Lehigh and Bucknell, per 247Sports.

247Sports currently considers the junior as the No. 195 overall prospect, No. 16 quarterback and No. 5 recruit from his home state of Pennsylvania for the class of 2026. On3, ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports all consider Falzone a four-star prospect.

Outside of Penn State, Wisconsin holds the most alluring situation for a player hungry to showcase his prowess at a Power 4 university. While the 2024 Badgers haven’t looked as powerful as they did a decade ago, the atmosphere, attention and potential to succeed rivals just one university on his offer sheet as of Nov. 19.

Falzone’s situation is one to monitor before he is tasked with officially signing down the line.

Wisconsin Badgers all-time winningest quarterback offers advice to Braedyn Locke

Wisconsin Badgers all-time winningest quarterback offers advice to Braedyn Locke

Wisconsin’s all-time winningest quarterback, Joel Stave, offered candid advice to current Badgers starter Braedyn Locke on Tuesday.

Stave was asked during a radio interview what he’d say to Locke about how he should handle ongoing criticism amid the Badgers’ rough stretch of play.

Here’s what Stave told host Jim Rutledge:

“The big thing is do everything you can to ignore the noise,” Stave said. “Focus on you. Focus on what you can control. It’s been a tough year. There have certainly been some high points, (and) there have obviously been some low points, too. He’s played a tough, tough schedule. I think he does have a lot of positive things to draw back on, but it’s ignoring anything that’s not focused on the team.”

Here is his full answer:

Stave represented Wisconsin from 2011-15 and left Madison with a 31-10 record as a starter. The 31 victories made him the winningest quarterback in program history, and his .756 win percentage is No. 3 among UW quarterbacks all time, per Wisconsin athletics.

As a starter, Stave experienced excellence for Wisconsin football. He played in three bowl games and captured Offensive MVP honors in the 2015 Holiday Bowl.

Locke, meanwhile, has struggled this season, leading some fans to call for true freshman Mabrey Mettauer to suit up under center for the remainder of the season,

In nine games as a redshirt sophomore, Locke has completed 129 pass attempts for 1,514 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has 10 turnovers in seven starts since taking over for Tyler Van Dyke against Alabama.

Stave’s comments come at the perfect time for Locke. After completing 12 of 28 passes for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception in UW’s loss to No. 1 Oregon on Nov. 16, the critics have grown louder.

UW is tasked with defeating Nebraska on Nov. 23 in Lincoln. If the program wishes to reach its 23rd straight bowl game, Locke needs to protect the ball and drown out the noise.

Nebraska true freshman quarterback predicts win vs. Badgers

Nebraska true freshman quarterback predicts win vs. Badgers

Nebraska true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola predicted a Cornhuskers over the Badgers on Nov. 23.

Following Nebraska’s 28-20 loss to the USC Trojans in Los Angeles on Saturday, Raiola did not lack confidence when asked about the adjustment process moving to new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.

“We’re only gonna keep building on it these next two weeks,” Raiola said. “We’ll get the win next week and get us to a bowl.”

He was referring to Nebraska’s 11th game of the season vs. the Wisconsin Badgers. Like UW, the Cornhuskers are on a multi-game losing streak dating back to October.

Raiola’s crew has dropped four consecutive contests, to No. 5 Indiana, No. 2 Ohio State, UCLA and USC. The Badgers, meanwhile, have lost three straight to No. 4 Penn State, Iowa and No. 1 Oregon.

Through 10 games as a true freshman this season, the Georgia native has registered 203 completions, 2,112 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Earlier this season, he led his group to a signature win over Shedeur Sanders and the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes in Lincoln.

Raiola has attracted a decent amount of media attention this season because of his uncanny physical resemblance to Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His level of play, however, is far from that caliber — during the four-game skid he’s thrown just two touchdowns to six interceptions.

Wisconsin hasn’t dropped a game to Nebraska since 2012. The Badgers will look to continue that streak when the two teams meet on Saturday.

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.

Former Wisconsin quarterback leads Steelers to statement victory

Former Wisconsin quarterback wins third straight game with Steelers

Former Badger Russell Wilson led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a win over the Washington Commanders in his third start of the 2024 season on Sunday.

The former Badger threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns in the Steelers’ thrilling 28-27 victory. That performance follows his 278-yard, one-touchdown in his second game as a Steeler on Oct. 28.

For the third straight game, Wilson served as a game manager throughout the contest. Once more, he executed when it mattered most.

Needing a touchdown in the Steelers’ final scoring drive, Wilson received a snap on a third-down sequence at Washington’s 32-yard line. The Commanders sent the house, but the former Badger launched a fall-away bread-basket pass from the 40-yard line to wide receiver Mike Williams.

The former Jet snagged the pass and tumbled into the end zone to complete the 32-yard score.

Through three games under center, Wilson has logged 737 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Again, head coach Mike Tomlin’s risk in sidelining quarterback Justin Fields in favor of Wilson appears to be a stroke of genius for the Steelers.

Wilson will take the snaps for the fourth straight game when his squad squares off against the division rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Wisconsin picks up FutureCast to land top class of 2025 quarterback target

Wisconsin picks up FutureCast to land top class of 2025 quarterback target

Wisconsin football top-ranked class of 2025 quarterback target Carter Smith picked up a Rivals’ FutureCast to the Badgers on Friday.

The prediction arrives shortly after Smith announced his plans to visit UW during its game against No. 1 Oregon on Nov. 16. The forecast comes from Rivals’ Wisconsin insider Jon McNamara.

Smith recently reopened his recruitment after de-committing from Michigan’s 2025 cohort. The four-star quarterback committed to the Wolverines’ program back in Nov. 2023 before head coach Jim Harbaugh made the move to the NFL.

Rivals considers the Fort Myers, Florida native as the No. 95 player in the class of 2025, No. 4 quarterback in the class and No. 23 prospect from Florida. Outside Wisconsin, Smith has recovered offers from top programs such as Miami-FL, Ole Miss, Penn State, Texas A&M, Louisville and Florida.

While the Rivals’ forecasts is promising for Badgers’ fans as Luke Fickell and Phil Longo look to add premium talent at the position.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 currently sits at No. 28 in the nation after recently flipping DL Drayden Pavey from Purdue. Smith’s acquisition would certainly elevate that ranking and provide some clarity on who could lead Wisconsin’s quarterback room in the future.

Will Hugh Freeze make a change at quarterback?

Auburn needs to win its final three games in order to qualify for a bowl game. Will a change be made?

Auburn football’s season and year two under head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] is not going as many people thought it would, and if many questions were not already raised about this program, even more are coming up now.

The Tigers are currently 3-6 on the year and 1-5 in SEC play. As if that is not enough, Freeze is sitting at 9-13 in his Auburn tenure, similar to where Bryan Harsin was in his second season on the Plains.

One of the main questions that has surrounded the team, though, is the quarterback play on the field. While [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] has shown flashes of talent at moments this season, his play throughout his career with the Tigers has had many shaking their heads.

In two years, Thorne has recorded a 62% pass completion percentage, throwing 29 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He was benched in the team’s week two loss to Cal after throwing four interceptions for backup [autotag]Hank Brown[/autotag], before returning to the starting job against Oklahoma.

Despite this season being Thorne’s final one of eligibility, Freeze said his staff is considering a change at the position during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference.

“Payton’s played pretty solid, but at the same time you start thinking big picture and well, that’s a tough that’s a tough quandary for you as a coach,” Freeze said. “When you start thinking big picture, as opposed to one of your players that really hasn’t done anything wrong, but we certainly aren’t winning. And so we’re debating all of that this week and we’ll continue into next week, debating that.”

Outside of Brown, [autotag]Walker White[/autotag] has been working with the scout team for most of the year but is also in the running to earn some playing time here at the end of the season.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Tyler on Twitter @traley34

Former Wisconsin quarterback leads Steelers to Monday Night Football win

Former Wisconsin quarterback leads Steelers to Monday Night Football win

Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a win over the New York Giants to close Week 8 of the NFL season.

The former Badger threw for 278 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers’ 26-18 victory. That performance follows his 264-yard, two-touchdown debut as the Steelers starter in Week 7.

Wilson served as a game manager throughout the contest, but he made the most critical plays when it mattered most. In the fourth quarter, Wilson tossed a 29-yard dime to wide receiver Calvin Austin III for Pittsburgh’s first offensive touchdown of the evening.

Outside of that show-stopping play, Wilson also completed a 36-yard pass to Van Jefferson at the end of the third quarter and a 43-yard toss to wide receiver George Pickens in the fourth frame.

While head coach Mike Tomlin’s took a risk in sidelining quarterback Justin Fields in favor of Wilson, it appears to be working in the Steelers’ favor. Through two games, Wilson has thrown for over 500 yards and three touchdowns. Plus, he has yet to throw an interception.

Wilson projects to be at the helm once more when his squad squares off against the Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 10.