Fickell: Colton Joseph’s growth has been ‘unbelievable’ as a player and a leader
The Badgers quarterback has emerged as a leader for the program this offseason.
Sep 13, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph (1) warms up before the game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images This season, all eyes will be on Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who was the prized possession of the transfer portal for the Wisconsin Badgers this offseason. Joseph, a 6’2, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback, seemed like a quality fit in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’s offense as a signal-caller who could make a difference with his legs and open up the offense, while also having the arm talent and willingness to challenge defenses down the field.
Of course, he’s also Wisconsin’s fourth starting transfer quarterback in four years, so there is a natural learning curve, as well as some time needed for Joseph to emerge as a leader of the program. So, how has Joseph fared so far when it comes to that chemistry aspect and his understanding of the offense so far? “We always want guys further along than wherever they are,” head coach Luke Fickell said when asked about Joseph.
“I mean, we’ve got to keep pushing this. The nature of college football is, we don’t have pros yet, right? Our job is to get them to be a pro.
And there’s some guys that are the highest level, then they’re right there at the very tip of it, but we got to keep pushing. And he’s one of those guys. “There’s just so much on his plate as a new guy in this system, in this program, that no matter where he is, there’s going to be something more.