Billy Edwards is down. Luke Fickell is concerned. Wisconsin fans are holding their breath. That’s the environment at Thursday’s opener against Miami (OH). The Badgers have battled injuries to its starting QB for two straight years and the streak of misfortune shows no signs of ending. Last year, Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL on a QB run in Week 3, forcing Braedyn Locke to take the reins. In 2023, Tanner Mordecai broke his thumb, missing a month of action. And now this. 

Billy Edwards, a 6’3, 215-pound Maryland transfer went down with an injury in the first half. On August 28, Pete Nakos didn’t waste time announcing the concerning update on X. “Wisconsin QB and Maryland transfer Billy Edwards in the injury tent with a non-contact injury and is now headed to the locker room,” he wrote. That’s never the start anyone wants to see.

The Badgers’ senior redshirt QB had just taken a big hit on a deep pass but popped up immediately. On the very next play, handing the ball to WR Tyrell Henry, Billy Edwards fell again untouched by defenders. The cause wasn’t immediately clear, but UW officials later confirmed a lower-body injury. He didn’t look entirely out of control on the way off the field, jogging with a noticeable limp. But by halftime, he was questionable to return. By the start of the second half, he was officially ruled out. 

Backup QB Danny O’Neil stepped in, trying to keep the offense afloat. On a 3rd & 7, he connected with Trech Kekahuna for five yards, converted a 4th & 2, but momentum stalled after a sack and a delay of game, ending the drive in RedHawks territory with a punt. The contrast was stark with Billy Edwards’ precision and poise replaced by uncertainty and caution.

It’s a tough blow for Luke Fickell’s squad. Billy Edwards lit up defenses last season with 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions across 11 games. If he’s sidelined, Wisconsin’s offense could instantly become a story of what could’ve been as Danny O’Neil steps into the unknown. The spotlight now shifts from the field to the sideline, where the HC’s decisions and job security are suddenly under a microscope.

Will Billy Edwards’ situation impact Luke Fickell?

Wisconsin won the game 17-0, but momentum is fragile. Luke Fickell enters his third season with a program desperate for stability. Last year’s opener was a sluggish 10-7 halftime lead over Western Michigan. The year before, just 14-10 against Buffalo. And now, the Badgers are trying to roll out a brand-new offense under coordinator Jeff Grimes in his debut game calling plays, likely a conservative approach that could hamper rhythm without Billy Edwards.

The optics matter too. Luke Fickell’s $7.7 million base salary ranks 18th in college football, and his $40.1 million buyout (13th highest) makes this season critical for both perception and pocketbook. The question now isn’t just how long Billy Edwards will be out. It’s whether Wisconsin can survive without its top gun. With a brutal schedule ahead, every play, every drive, and every decision carries extra weight. 

For Luke Fickell and his Badgers, Thursday night may have started with promise but it’s shaping up to be a test of endurance, adaptability, and pure, unflinching grit.