Tyler Van Dyke's Waiting Game: The Badgers' Quarterback Decision Explained

Tyler Van Dyke: Decision Delayed

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell spoke on the quarterback competition between starter Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke. With Van Dyke being named the starter just about two weeks ago, the Miami transfer will have a new opportunity in the Badgers’ offense. Locke, who started three games last season for Wisconsin, will be QB2 heading into the Badgers’ first matchup Aug. 30 against Western Michigan.

“Because it’s going to happen whether it’s in a series or in a game,” Fickell said. “And the consistency to me is what has to be in your quarterback position and whatever that means, whatever that looks like.” Fickell emphasized the importance of facing that competition early on to evaluate how well the quarterbacks led and adapted.

Van Dyke's Impact

Van Dyke threw for 2,703 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2023, finishing with a 145.6 passer rating. He’ll replace the previous Wisconsin quarterback, Tanner Mordecai, now playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Fickell noted, “You have seen a difference in Tyler since that time and I mean that even not as ups and down, not as, even as emotional, but truly being a little bit more vocal standing in front of that group a little bit more.” Competition breeds progress, as seen in both quarterbacks' readiness.

With the Badgers scheduled to play five teams ranked in the preseason AP Top-25, they’ll need big games out of their quarterback, and the hope is that Van Dyke is fit for the job.