It’s a very good feeling when you get to hear good things about yourself. And from the very guys who you work with, or in this case, play with. And that’s exactly what Wisconsin QB, Billy Edwards Jr. is hearing about himself. After transferring from Maryland, where he faced a tough season and some locker room turbulence under coach Mike Locksley. Edwards Jr. is now stepping into a bigger spotlight with the Badgers. Last season, he completed 65% of his passes, throwing for 2,881 yards with 15 touchdowns and 9 picks while also showing some mobility with five rushing touchdowns. But the real excitement comes from the potential everyone sees now that he’s at Wisconsin.

And especially with a stronger supporting cast and a new offensive coordinator, Jeff Grimes, who seems to be bringing a fresh vibe to the offense. The team and Coach Luke Fickell himself are hopeful this will be the year Billy Edwards Jr. leads the Badgers to major success. Speaking of which, our hero recently made his debut appearance at the Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas. And his offensive partner, Jake Renfro, couldn’t stop raving about him. Jake didn’t hold back when describing Billy. It’s clear Edwards Jr. has earned major respect in the locker room.

“He came in here and took this team over,” Renfro said on the Big Ten Media Days. “He’s a vocal guy. He’s a great leader. He does everything the right way. So, being around a guy like that each and every day, it’s special. I mean, we’re blessed to have him. We’re so happy we got him. I love being around him. He makes me better. I hope I make him better.”

That’s some hype. At Maryland, despite those solid numbers, Billy Edwards dealt with a struggling offensive line and a difficult team environment. Now, at Wisconsin, he steps into a situation with better protection and talented skill players. And most importantly, a culture reset that embraces accountability and toughness. Luke Fickell has spoken bluntly about the challenges ahead.

He calls out the brutal Big Ten schedule and emphasizes that there are no shortcuts, no easy games. “I think first and foremost, he’s a guy that has walked in knowing that the whole idea is that we’re going to hand over the keys to this new offense, but everything that we do is earned,” Fickell said. “There’s a uniqueness to that that you have to be able to handle. He’s walked in, humbled himself in a lot of ways, earned and gained the respect of not just the locker room, but everybody within the coaching staff.” The previous seasons were marred by injuries and inconsistent quarterback play from the transfers before him.

Expectations are sky-high but grounded in the solid progress Billy’s shown during spring practices and offseason work. Fickell adds, “In order to do that, it takes somebody who’s well in-tune with all the things around them. It started there; his voice has grown from the time he came in in January to where he is now. It started there; his voice has grown from the time he came in in January to where he is now. And I think he’s done it in an unbelievable way.”

Amid Jake’s raving compliments about Edwards. He has a lot to prove this season. Edwards Jr. isn’t just calling plays or managing the offense. He’s a vocal, demanding presence who sets standards in the locker room and on the field, as Jake calls him. That kind of leadership rubs off and builds team cohesion, which is crucial as Wisconsin faces challenges this season.

Plus, Jake surprised everyone by sharing a fun, very human side of Billy. His first-ever ice fishing trip in Madison. Apparently, Billy held his own pretty well. But he definitely joked about the lack of gloves and the necessity of warming up those frozen fingers since he wasn’t used to the cold Wisconsin winters. It’s moments like these that show the kind of personality Billy brings to the team. Serious on the field but easygoing off it, ready to bond with his teammates in whatever way it takes.

Can Luke Fickell survive the Big Ten Gauntlet?

Luke Fickell’s seat is heating up fast as he prepares for what might be the most daunting season of his coaching career at Wisconsin. The harsh reality is hitting Madison. The Badgers are staring down a brutal 2025 schedule that feels less like a challenge and more like a trapdoor. Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State, and more. FOX analyst Joel Klatt bluntly called this scheduling “sabotage.” And also points out that Wisconsin could be underdogs in nine of their 12 games. That’s a tough backdrop for any coach. Especially one who’s only gone 13-13 over two seasons

However, the pressure cooker isn’t just coming from the schedule. It’s the expectations and the program’s recent struggles. Last season’s 5-7 record was the worst in over two decades, and fans aren’t just hoping for a bounce-back. They’re hoping Fickell can survive the storm. Enter Billy Edwards Jr. He is the new quarterback and a potential lifeline for Fickell and the Badgers. Edwards brings not only impressive physical tools, standing 6’3”, 228 pounds. And is also armed with a strong arm. But also a much-needed edge and leadership presence.

He’s the clear frontrunner to lead Wisconsin this year, especially with other QBs on the roster lacking his experience or resume. The catch? The offensive line, crucial to protecting Edwards, took a big hit when left tackle Kevin Heywood tore his ACL in spring practice. That upped the stakes for both QB and coach. So Fickell’s hot seat is real and scorching, but Billy Edwards Jr. is the quarterback who could cool it down by energizing the offense and rallying this team through a punishing slate.