Badgers QBs going through ‘learning curve’ early in spring ball

Nov 22, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Deuce Adams (13) throws the ball during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Wisconsin Badgers revamped their quarterback room this offseason, adding Colton Joseph and Deuce Adams from the transfer portal, while landing four-star high school recruit Ryan Hopkins as well.

Those three are the early leaders in the quarterback room, with 2025 four-star Carter Smith competing to be in the mix as well, as Wisconsin looks to have a better year offensively after a frustrating campaign last season. Under offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, the Badgers are prioritizing dual-threat quarterbacks who can elevate an offense in multiple ways, and that’s what they saw in all three of their newcomers. But, with a brand-new room and a lot of new skill position players as well, there has been a learning curve in getting up to speed on the playbook and the install.

That’s why the Badgers went at a slower pace this offseason in comparison to previous years. “As coaches, we’re all experiencing a new era of college football,” Grimes said last week. “And I think there’s a balance there between recognizing what your players can handle, but at the same time trying to get them ready for spring ball and then ultimately the season.

“And we did go slower and, you know, bringing in new coaches, that is one way that bringing in new coaches sort of impacted us because you got to catch them up to speed with the system as well. And so I would say we just went a little bit slower this offseason. And so I don’t know that I would say we’ve simplified the playbook.