Wisconsin heads into Tuscaloosa for a September 13 showdown with Alabama. But there’s a thick layer of uncertainty hovering over the Badgers. It centers squarely on their starting quarterback. Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer with proven Power 4 chops from Maryland, tweaked his knee in the opener against Miami (Ohio). And since then, he has been working on a week-to-week basis. The Badgers caught a break with a clean MRI, but the staff’s handling of his recovery has kept fans guessing if he’ll suit up against the Tide or if backup Danny O’Neil will once again get the nod.

Billy’s debut was a mixed bag (6-of-13 passing, 68 yards before the injury), but his experience and bowl MVP pedigree are what led Wisconsin to bet on him in the first place. Coach Luke Fickell’s candor in pressers hasn’t shed much light either. “I don’t know a whole lot about Billy, before you ask,” Fickell said. “It’s a Monday, so we’ll see as we continue to push forward in the week. But we’ll, obviously, get prepared either way.” On the other hand, there is news about a major gamble that can take place with the starting QB’s health as the Badgers travel to Tuscaloosa.

“Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is unlikely to play at No. 19 Alabama on Saturday,” On3 insider Pete Thamel writes on X. He’ll travel with the team and plans to warm up, but he faces long odds to play this week. He sprained his knee against Miami University in the opener and is week-to-week.”

So let’s get this straight: if Billy looks good during the warmup against the Bama’s, then he is going to take the field. Otherwise, Danny O’Neil is expected to be the starter. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s defense has quietly ball-hawked its way to a top-three FBS ranking in yardage. But let’s face it, Alabama is a different beast. And especially with Ryan Williams returning at receiver.

If Edwards can go, and by go, I mean go at full speed, the Badgers might finally flip the momentum in a game where they’re 20-point underdogs. Luke Fickell is playing on his own optimism here. “I think it’s going to be where he really feels as we get later towards the week,” Fickell said. “He’s throwing the ball around. He’s here constantly getting treatments and things like that.” 

In Edwards’ absence, O’Neil put together an eye-popping performance against Middle Tennessee State in Week 2. He showed that the Badgers aren’t completely vulnerable without their starter. In his first start for Wisconsin, O’Neil went 23-of-27 for 283 yards and three TDs as the Badgers pulled away in the second half to crush Middle Tennessee 42-10 on Saturday.

But make no mistake. The team brought Edwards in as the starter for a reason. Edwards comes to the Badgers with some Big Ten experience already. In 26 games at Maryland, he racked up 3,322 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 picks. Once he hit the portal, the big question was where he’d land. Michigan wanted to pair a vet with freshman Bryce Underwood, but things fell through, and Edwards stayed on the market. That’s when Wisconsin jumped in, needing an experienced guy to fight for the starting job.

But now, before he could showcase his full potential for the rest of the season, he more or less took to the sidelines. Now with just two days remaining for the big game against Alabama, Billy’s health remains the most alarming question in Madison.

Can Billy Edwards Jr.’s injury be Alabama’s redemption road?

Alabama came out swinging in Week 2 with a 73-0 demolition of Louisiana-Monroe. Ty Simpson was flawless, going 17-for-17 for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns, plus a rushing TD before halftime. The dominant performance extended head coach Kalen DeBoer’s undefeated home streak to 13 games and gave the Crimson Tide a huge momentum boost heading into their September 13 clash with Wisconsin at Bryant-Denny Stadium. But Alabama’s upcoming test won’t be as easy as ULM.

Wisconsin is coming in with questions around their starting quarterback, Billy Edwards Jr., who missed the Week 2 Middle Tennessee game due to a knee sprain. Edwards’ health is a huge storyline for the Badgers, as their offense looks vastly different without him. However, Wisconsin and Alabama fans both know the Badgers’ ceiling is higher with Edwards leading the charge. Alabama’s defense is aware, too. And they will face a more complex challenge if Edwards suits up.

The Badgers’ defense will also have to adapt without Edwards, who influences how opposing offenses prepare. The Tide’s injury situation is easing, with key offensive players like wide receiver Ryan Williams expected to return soon. This adds more weapons to their already high-powered offense. Analysts see this matchup as a crucial measuring stick for Kalen DeBoer’s squad. If Alabama can handle Wisconsin convincingly, its playoff hopes get a major boost in the loaded SEC. Meanwhile, Edwards’ status remains pivotal for the Badgers.