RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
One of the more surprising battles in fall camp for the Wisconsin Badgers has been between true freshman Ryan Hopkins and Louisville transfer Deuce Adams for the No. 2 quarterback job.
Adams, a redshirt sophomore, came into the offseason with the opportunity to compete for the backup role behind Colton Joseph, who also transferred into the quarterback room. Initially, it was believed that he’d compete with 2025 four-star recruit Carter Smith for the backup role, as the latter had been Wisconsin’s starter to end last season.
While Smith was clearly a ways away from being a consistent starter, he had the physical tools and rushing upside and was heading into Year 2 after questions surfaced on whether he’d return to Wisconsin in the offseason.
However, the quarterback room saw its twists and turns during fall camp, as Adams looked steady with a quality arm, crisp throwing motion, and underrated athleticism. However, it was true freshman Ryan Hopkins, not Smith, who was regularly competing with him in the quarterback room.
Hopkins, a four-star recruit in the 2026 class, came from one of the top prep schools in the country: Mater Dei. He had his fair share of ups and downs in the spring, but had a solid arm, dual-threat capability, and a confidence that you don’t always see from freshmen quarterbacks.
Fast-forward to fall camp, and the two have been duking it out for the No. 2 role, with the coaches acknowledging that both have played well ahead of the season. But who will actually be the backup quarterback?
Truly, we won’t get to see that unless an injury occurs to Colton Joseph, but in our weekly Reacts poll, we asked who should earn the No. 2 role, and the results were overwhelming.
76 percent of fans shared that Hopkins should get the No. 2 job, while just under a quarter of the vote was in favor of Adams.
Now, Hopkins has done well throughout the offseason, and reports have been promising throughout fall camp. In today’s world of college football, there’s an urgency to play top players sooner rather than later, with the transfer portal more prevalent than ever. So, I understand the case for anointing the true freshman as the No. 2 quarterback.
However, that shouldn’t be the main reason that Hopkins wins out, especially if he’s not fully ready yet to step into a Big Ten game. There were a ton of learning moments for the freshman throughout the offseason. Adams does have coveted game experience and several years of practice reps at the collegiate level under his belt. That has me believing he’ll ultimately be the No. 2 quarterback.
But it’s a good sign that Hopkins is already pushing to play as a true freshman, and he seems to be a key part of the Badgers plans for the future.
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