Wisconsin Inserts Freshman Hopkins at Quarterback
Ryan Hopkins entered Wisconsin's blowout loss to Iowa as a true freshman after the Badgers trailed 30-0.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
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Wisconsin inserted true freshman Ryan Hopkins at quarterback during its blowout loss to Iowa. Hopkins completed 8 of 13 passes for 93 yards with one interception after replacing Colton Joseph in the third quarter.
Why it matters
The change came with the game already decided, giving Hopkins live experience in a situation where Joseph had struggled to move the offense. Head coach Luke Fickell declined to name a starting quarterback change at his weekly press conference, leaving Wisconsin's quarterback plans open.
Hopkins completed 8 of 13 passes for 93 yards with one interception after entering a game Wisconsin trailed 30-0, while Joseph had completed 5 of 14 passes for 90 yards before the switch. Fickell's decision on a starter for the Rutgers game in Week 10 remains unannounced.
The players
Ryan Hopkins
Ryan Hopkins is a true freshman quarterback from Mater Dei High School who entered Wisconsin's game against Iowa.
Luke Fickell
Luke Fickell is the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers football program.
The details
Wisconsin replaced Joseph with Hopkins in the third quarter with the Badgers trailing 30-0. Fickell said the team gave Hopkins an opportunity at the end of the game, and Wisconsin's next game is against Rutgers in Week 10.
Timeline
Wisconsin lost to Iowa on November 1, 2026, and inserted Hopkins at quarterback during the game.
Wisconsin plays Rutgers in Week 10.
Season Trajectory
Wisconsin's quarterback situation remains unsettled as the Badgers move toward their Week 10 game against Rutgers. Joseph is expected to start that game, and Hopkins's appearance adds a developing option behind him.
Fantasy managers tracking Wisconsin's offense should watch Week 10 to see whether Joseph or Hopkins starts, since the passing split from Iowa was modest. The Rutgers game will show whether Wisconsin commits to either quarterback.
The takeaway
Late-game reps for young quarterbacks can clarify a depth chart even when the result is already decided, and Wisconsin's next starter choice will show whether Hopkins's performance changed the plan.
What happens next
Wisconsin plays Rutgers in Week 10, the next scheduled game where the starting quarterback decision will be tested.
Further reading
For more on the program's recent results, see Wisconsin Football coverage.
Live Poll
Should Wisconsin stick with its starting quarterback or switch to the freshman?
