Badgers Start Freshman Quarterback Ryan Hopkins
Wisconsin turns to true freshman Ryan Hopkins at quarterback after a run of injuries last season.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
The Wisconsin Badgers are starting freshman quarterback Ryan Hopkins, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect who was rated a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247sports and four stars by ESPN. Hopkins' first career start follows a string of injuries that pushed Carter Smith into action last season.
Why it matters
Hopkins is the latest true freshman to start under center for Wisconsin, joining Carter Smith and Jay Macias as the first Badgers true freshman quarterbacks to start since 1991. The move reflects how injuries reshaped the depth chart and how the program is now relying on a young passer.
Hopkins is listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, and ran a 100-meter time of 10.66 seconds as a high school junior. Recruiting services disagreed on his rating, with three stars from Rivals and 247sports and four stars from ESPN.
The players
Ryan Hopkins
Ryan Hopkins is a true freshman quarterback who transferred from JSerra Catholic High School to Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, before his senior season.
Carter Smith
Carter Smith is a Wisconsin quarterback who came off the bench and started the final three games of the previous season after injuries.
Mike Tressel
Mike Tressel is the Wisconsin defensive coordinator who praised Hopkins' arm strength and ability to extend plays.
The details
Hopkins began his prep career at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California, and transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana before his senior season. Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel has pointed to Hopkins' arm strength and his ability to extend plays.
Timeline
2025 season: Carter Smith starts the final three games after injuries.
1991: Last time Wisconsin started two true freshman quarterbacks, per program history.
November 7, 2026: Ryan Hopkins makes his first career start.
Season Trajectory
Hopkins' start makes him one of only a few true freshman quarterbacks to start for Wisconsin since 1991, when Jay Macias did so. It signals that injuries have forced the program into an unusually young position under center.
Fantasy managers tracking Wisconsin's offense will need to account for a true freshman starter. Any depth-chart changes will matter for those tracking the Badgers' passing game.
The takeaway
Wisconsin's decision to start a true freshman shows how quickly injuries can reshape a depth chart and force young players into bigger roles. Fans will be watching how Hopkins develops as he takes on the starting job.
What happens next
Hopkins makes his first career start on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the Badgers' season, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Tribune.
