BREAKING: Wisconsin is expected to start Hunter Simmons at quarterback tomorrow against Ohio State, according to Pete Thamel. The news, which broke late Friday evening, sent shockwaves through the Big Ten community and immediately changed the tone of what was already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing conference showdowns of the season. For Wisconsin, this is more than just a quarterback change—it’s a gamble, a statement, and perhaps the defining moment of their season. For Ohio State, it’s a new wrinkle in game preparation on the eve of a massive test.
Hunter Simmons, the redshirt freshman from Indianapolis, has waited patiently for his opportunity. Since arriving in Madison, he has been known inside the program for his poise, strong arm, and intelligence, even if he hasn’t had many chances to prove it under the bright lights. Now, in one of college football’s most hostile and high-stakes environments, Simmons will be thrust into the starting role against the No. 1 team in the nation—a team that’s been steamrolling opponents week after week. It’s a massive responsibility, and it comes at a time when Wisconsin’s season feels like it’s hanging in the balance.
Sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Simmons will make his first collegiate start due to lingering concerns about starter Tanner Mordecai’s shoulder and the need for more mobility and vertical passing against Ohio State’s elite defense. Mordecai, the veteran transfer who’s led Wisconsin through ups and downs this season, has been solid but not spectacular. The Badgers’ offense has often looked conservative, built around the running game and short throws. With Simmons under center, the expectation is that Wisconsin will open things up, leaning on his ability to stretch the field and keep the defense honest.
For head coach Luke Fickell, this decision marks a defining moment in his tenure. Fickell, a former Ohio State player and interim head coach himself, knows exactly what it means to face the Buckeyes. He understands the weight of the moment and the pressure that comes with it. Starting a freshman quarterback against the top-ranked team in the country is a bold move, but it’s one that speaks to both Fickell’s confidence in his young passer and his belief that Wisconsin needs a spark.
The timing of the announcement is also telling. Coming just 24 hours before kickoff, it limits Ohio State’s ability to adjust its defensive game plan significantly. Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, will still likely prepare for a run-heavy scheme, but Simmons’ presence introduces an element of unpredictability. Wisconsin could incorporate designed quarterback runs, rollouts, and play-action deep shots—plays that have been mostly absent in their offense this year.
Simmons’ high school pedigree supports the belief that he can handle the moment. A former four-star recruit, he was rated among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in his class. He led Cathedral High School to back-to-back state championship games and was known for his calmness under pressure. Teammates describe him as “steady,” someone who doesn’t flinch when the lights get bright. Those traits will be tested immediately against a defense that features future NFL talent at every level, including edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and defensive back Denzel Burke.
For Wisconsin fans, the news has created a mixture of excitement and anxiety. There’s intrigue in seeing a new face behind center, especially one with a reputation for athleticism and arm strength. But there’s also the reality of what Simmons is walking into: a matchup against a defense that’s allowing less than 10 points per game and has embarrassed veteran quarterbacks all season. If Simmons can stay composed, avoid turnovers, and move the chains, he’ll already have accomplished something few have done against the Buckeyes this year.
Offensively, the Badgers’ game plan will need to adapt quickly. Running back Braelon Allen remains the centerpiece of Wisconsin’s attack, but Ohio State’s front seven is elite at stuffing the run. That means Simmons will likely be asked to make quick reads and throw in rhythm to short and intermediate targets like Skyler Bell and Will Pauling. Wisconsin’s offensive line will also be under immense pressure. If they can give Simmons time to operate, his ability to make off-schedule plays could become a difference-maker.
Defensively, Wisconsin will have to find ways to contain Ohio State’s Heisman-caliber quarterback and star receivers. The Buckeyes’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, with a balance of power running and explosive passing plays. Marvin Harrison Jr., arguably the best wide receiver in college football, presents a nightmare matchup for any secondary. Fickell’s defense has played well this year, but they’ve yet to face a unit as deep and efficient as Ohio State’s. The Badgers will need to play a near-perfect game to stay in contention, and that starts with keeping the Buckeyes’ offense on the sideline.
From a psychological standpoint, starting Simmons might also energize the locker room. Sometimes, the introduction of a new quarterback can give a team a fresh sense of belief and urgency. Simmons’ teammates have spoken highly of his leadership in practice and his quiet confidence. If he can translate that demeanor onto the field, Wisconsin could find themselves more competitive than many expect.
The move also reflects the broader philosophy Fickell is trying to instill at Wisconsin—a blend of traditional Big Ten toughness with modern offensive flexibility. Simmons embodies that vision: mobile, dynamic, and capable of making plays outside the pocket. This could be the beginning of a new era for the Badgers, one where the quarterback position is no longer defined solely by game management but by playmaking potential.
Still, the task ahead is monumental. Ohio State’s defense ranks among the best in the nation in every major category. Their pass rush is relentless, their secondary is disciplined, and their linebackers rarely miss assignments. For a freshman quarterback making his debut in front of a national television audience, that’s an intimidating prospect. Every snap will be a test of poise and preparation. Every drive will be a chance to prove he belongs.
On the flip side, there’s also opportunity. College football history is filled with stories of unheralded players seizing their moment when no one expected it. Think back to Cardale Jones stepping in for Ohio State in 2014 and leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. No one saw it coming. Could Hunter Simmons have a similar breakout moment? The odds are steep, but the stage is set for something unforgettable.
For Ohio State, this late change won’t drastically alter their focus, but it does add an element of uncertainty. The Buckeyes have been dominant this season under head coach Ryan Day, showing balance on both sides of the ball and executing with surgical precision. Their offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, continues to hum, and their defense has been the backbone of their success. Facing a rookie quarterback may seem like an advantage, but it also forces the Buckeyes to prepare for the unknown.
