Wisconsin Season Opener Marred by Quarterback Injury Under Luke Fickell

Madison, WI - In Thursday evening’s 2025 season opener at Camp Randall Stadium, head coach Luke Fickell’s Wisconsin Badgers began with promise but faced a late-game scare when starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. left with an injury.

The Badgers, entering their first contest against the Miami (OH) RedHawks with heightened optimism under Fickell’s leadership, saw defensive end Sebastian Cheeks record Wisconsin’s opening sack on Miami quarterback Dequan Finn during the first series, setting an aggressive tone early.

Billy Edwards Jr. engineered a steady opening drive, completing 4 of 8 passes for 44 yards and helping Wisconsin take a 3-0 lead courtesy of Nathanial Vakos’s 42-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, Edwards limped off the field following a non-contact play and headed to the locker room for evaluation, sending the Badger faithful into a collective gasp.

“I saw him jogging off, but you never want to see your starter head to the tent,” Fickell said postgame. “It’s a tough blow, but we’ll rally behind our next man in”.

Backup quarterback Danny O’Neil, thrust into action with the Badgers clinging to their narrow lead, faced his first college snap under Fickell’s watch. While O’Neil’s initial series ended in a punt, fans will look to see how the seasoned transfer adapts to Wisconsin’s offense as the campaign unfolds.

Despite the scare, Wisconsin held on for a 17-6 victory, improving to 1-0 on the season. Fickell lauded his team’s resilience and defensive depth following the game. “Our guys showed up when it mattered. Now we’ll address the quarterback situation and keep building,” he remarked.

The Badgers return to action next Saturday against Wyoming. An injury update on Edwards is expected Friday morning.