How Wisconsin Football QBs Reacted to Badgers Adding a Transfer

When Luke Fickell took over the Wisconsin football program, he and offensive coordinator Phil Longo determined the Badgers needed to overhaul their quarterback room. 

That resulted in them adding three signal callers from the transfer portal. The idea was that Tanner Mordecai would step into the starting role as an experienced option to lead the room while former four-star recruits Braedyn Locke and Nick Evers developed behind him. 

It felt like UW would have the best of both worlds. But the new-look offense never found its stride. Mordecai and Locke combined to throw for 2,464 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

You could point to several reasons for the offense’s struggles in the passing game. Still, one thing was for sure: adding competition at quarterback and balancing the scholarship distribution was a must. 

That’s why the Wisconsin football staff worked quickly in the transfer portal once the regular season ended to connect with a handful of veteran options before eventually landing Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke. 

Wisconsin Football OC Phil Longo Shares How QBs Reacted to the Addition

Apr 11, 2023; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo watches quarterback Marshall Howe (12) during practice Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

In a perfect world, the Wisconsin football coaching staff wants to recruit and develop its own players to promote culture and sustainability. But the transfer portal era has made it difficult to make that a reality, and it is borderline malpractice not to see what potential upgrades are available.

Luke Fickell had a chance to evaluate Braedyn Locke during the regular season since an injury to Tanner Mordecai forced him into the lineup. It’s still possible Locke could be the quarterback of the future, but Tyler Van Dyke has a track record of winning in the Power 5 and helps elevate both the floor and ceiling of the room heading into 2024.

During media availability, Wisconsin Badgers’ offensive coordinator Phil Longo talked to reporters about the reaction from the young QBs now that they all know a transfer will join the group come spring.

“I’ve been pleased with the reaction,” Longo said. “They all slapped hands, said hello, and talked…They know that’s what’s coming. I think if you’re made the right way, and you play quarterback, you worry about your own development, and you go compete on the field, and you let your performance dictate what happens. I mean, they don’t have a choice. That’s the only thing they can do.”

This Badgers coaching staff will start whichever quarterback they feel gives them the best chance to win games. Adding Tyler Van Dyke suggests he’ll be the starter or at least be given every opportunity to earn the job.

However, Wisconsin football fans can take comfort in knowing that if a younger QB claims the job, they would have improved enough to force the coaching staff’s hand. Either way, it’s a win-win.

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