Danny O'Neil to Start at Quarterback for Wisconsin Against No. 24 Washington
MADISON, Wis. — For the fourth time this season, Wisconsin (2-6, 0-5) will make a change at quarterback. Looking to end a six-game losing streak, the Badgers will go with sophomore quarterback Danny O’Neil under center against No. 24 Washington (6-2, 3-2) on Saturday, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed.
As reported by Badger Blitz, O’Neil received the bevy of first-team reps this week. O’Neil hasn’t started since the Big Ten Conference opener against Maryland. In 2025, O’Neil is completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns to five interceptions. The San Diego State transfer has also run for 28 yards and a score.
We’re also expecting true freshman Carter Smith, to be part of Wisconsin’s plan. As Badger Blitz reported earlier this week, Smith has been getting first-team reps since the bye week. That remained the case leading up to Saturday’s kickoff.
Wisconsin has rolled with senior quarterback Hunter Simmons in the last four games. The Badgers have gone 0-4 in Simmons’ starts. Over that span, Simmons is completing 47 percent of his passes for 399 yards and one touchdown to five interceptions. Meanwhile, UW has averaged 4.3 ppg along the way.
Taking over for starting quarterback Billy Edwards (knee) in week one, O’Neil got off to a hot start. In the week one win over Miami (OH), O’Neil went 12-of-19 passing for 120 yards and a touchdown with one pick. The following week, O’Neil led Wisconsin to a 42-10 win, going 23-of-27 with 283 yards and three touchdowns to an interception. However, the Badgers would drop their next two games to Alabama and Maryland. O’Neil had just one touchdown to three interceptions in those losses.
Wisconsin and Washington will kick off at 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. Big Ten Network will have the call live from Camp Randall Stadium.
