Wisconsin names Hunter Simmons starting quarterback vs. Michigan

Hunter Simmons has been named Wisconsin‘s starting quarterback for Week 6 against Michigan, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The team has confirmed the news ahead of kickoff.

Simmons will start over Danny O’Neil, who is available. QB Billy Edwards continues to rehab his knee and will not suit up against the Wolverines.

O’Neil was expected to make the start with Edwards being considered probable heading into Saturday. However, this doesn’t appear to be the case. Wisconsin head coach Luck Fickell revealed why he decided to make the chance ahead of kickoff.

“Hunter Simmons is going to get the nod. Obviously, Danny O’Neil will be ready and have some role as well,” Fickell told Mark Tauscher on the field pregame. “Billy will not be available for us today, and it’s just been one of those things that we’ve got to continue to push through. It’s no excuse. Everybody’s got to deal with different things.

“This is just something we have to be able to deal with. And that’s why the consistency and some rhythm is so important for us.”

All three of Wisconsin’s quarterbacks saw action during their last time out against Maryland during Week 4. Simmons was thrown into the fire trailing 27-3 after both Edwards and O’Neil were taken out with injuries. Edwards was taken out before the end of the first quarter, and O’Neil had been limping for most of the second half.

In turn, Simmons was thrown into Week 4’s loss against Maryland in the fourth quarter — and rose to the occasion. In the short time he was on the field, Simmons led Wisconsin to its best, and only scoring drive of the game. He finished the game completing seven of his nine passing attempts for 70 yards and a touchdown strike in the final minutes if the game.

A Southern Illinois transfer, Simmons is in his fourth season at the college level. However, he’s never been the main starter for either program he’s played for. Last season, he was a part of a Salukis offense that features four quarterbacks that threw for at least 450 yards on the season last year.

Simmons was the second-leading passer with 852 yards and four total touchdowns. Across 172 career passing attempts, he’s thrown just one interception.

Now, he’s tasked with leading Wisconsin to victory in his first start in a Badgers uniform fresh off a bye week. Kickoff is set for Noon ET and will air live on FOX.