Danny O'Neil injury update: Wisconsin QB ruled out for remainder of Washington game

Wisconsin quarterback Danny O’Neil has officially been ruled OUT for the remainder of Saturday afternoon’s game against No. 23 Washington. O’Neil suffered an injury following a 21-yard rush that required him to be carted off the field early in the first quarter.

Prior to his exit, O’Neil was 0/2 passing but recorded 30 rushing yards on three attempts. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Carter Smith.

Officially: Danny O Neil OUT, lower body injury #Badgers

3-3 ballgame in Madison

— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) November 8, 2025

A disastrous season for Wisconsin continues with the O’Neil injury. In six games this season, the San Diego State transfer completed 68% of his passes for 635 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. With their first-string quarterback in Billy Edwards Jr. and second-string quarterback in O’Neil out, the Badgers now turn to a freshman at the position.

Although the Badgers will miss a bowl game for the second consecutive season, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed that head coach Luke Fickell will return next season. Since Fickell took over, the Badgers are just 15-19 and would fall to 2-7 on the season if it fails to knock off No. 23 Washington Saturday night. The program has missed back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1991-92.

Wisconsin to stick with HC Luke Fickell amongst struggles this season

If the program was to fire him after this season, the school would have owed a roughly $25 million buyout. However, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh said the university is ready to further invest in football and keep Fickell for 2026, as well.

“Chancellor (Jennifer) Mnookin and I are aligned on significantly elevating investment in our program to compete at highest level,” McIntosh told ESPN. “We are willing to make an investment in infrastructure and staff. As important, is our ability to retain and recruit players in a revenue share and NIL era.”

Going forward, though, McIntosh promised a commitment through NIL and revenue-sharing as part of the new era of college athletics. He said that investment is crucial to sustaining success, and with his confidence in Fickell to turn things around, that will be the next step toward turning things around at Wisconsin.

“Our intention is to be, in terms of our investment, on par with those that we intend to compete with,” McIntosh continued. “Our expectations are to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten and beyond.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.