# Wisconsin Badgers QB Decision

> Luke Fickell names Ryan Hopkins to start against Maryland after strong Rutgers performance.
- Title: Wisconsin Badgers QB Decision · Wisconsin Badgers On SI
- Summary: Luke Fickell names Ryan Hopkins to start against Maryland after strong Rutgers performance.
- Keywords: wisconsin badgers, ryan hopkins, colton joseph, maryland, rutgers, wisconsin football, quarterback, bowl-eligible, Wisconsin Badgers On SI
- Source: Wisconsin Badgers On SI — https://si.com/college/wisconsin/football/luke-fickell-makes-quarterback-decision-ahead-of-wisconsin-clash-with-maryland
- Published: 2026-11-09T18:46:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wisconsin badgers, ryan hopkins, colton joseph, maryland, rutgers, wisconsin football, quarterback, bowl-eligible, sports
## Wisconsin beatdown aftermath
After the 30-0 beatdown the Wisconsin football team took at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Luke Fickell and the Badgers felt they needed a change.
## Colton Joseph's issues
Transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, whom the Badgers reportedly spent big money on this offseason, just wasn't producing and allegedly battled some injuries.
## Ryan Hopkins' early success
Hopkins, who enrolled early last spring, turned heads early in fall camp with his big arm and pocket presence.
## Hopkins' first start
In his first career start against the Scarlet Knights, Hopkins took a series to get into rhythm but looked composed and in control of the offense.
## Hopkins' Rutgers performance
Hopkins finished with 241 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 75 percent of his passes, helping lead the Badgers to a 31-10 victory over Rutgers.
## Badgers' record boost
The win pushed the Badgers to 6-3 overall, making them bowl-eligible for the first time since 2023.
## Fickell's Monday answer
After the game, Fickell didn't directly answer whether Hopkins would start again against Maryland the next week. By Monday, we got an answer.
## Hopkins gets Maryland start
Fickell confirmed Ryan Hopkins would start against Maryland following his performance against Rutgers.
## Fanbase support
After his performance on Saturday, support for Hopkins to continue starting in place of Joseph seems overwhelmingly positive among the Wisconsin fanbase.
## Future outlook
With Maryland and Purdue next on the schedule, it's a seemingly perfect opportunity for Hopkins to ramp up before the Badgers' big matchup against Minnesota.
## Key takeaway

Wisconsin Badgers will start true freshman Ryan Hopkins against Maryland after his 241-yard, 3-TD performance against Rutgers.