Wisconsin Quarterback Billy Edwards Will Return Against Maryland, Jake Renfro, Preston Zachman Ruled Out
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin starting quarterback Billy Edwards is listed as questionable, but according to head coach Luke Fickell, the Maryland transfer will get a crack at his former team in Saturday’s Big Ten Conference opener.
Edwards suffered a sprained knee in Wisconsin’s 17-0 season-opening win over Miami (OH). He has missed each of the last two games, turning the reins over to sophomore quarterback Danny O’Neil. In relief of Edwards, O’Neil is completing 73.0 percent of his passes for 520 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
In his Wisconsin debut, Edwards was 6-of-13 for 68 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter. The Big Ten’s leading returning passer, Edwards completed 65.0 percent of his attempts in 2024 for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns to nine interceptions.
Two Starters Ruled Out
The Badgers will also be without two key starters against Maryland. Senior center Jake Renfro, who suffered an ankle injury against Alabama, and senior safety Preston Zachman have already been ruled out.
“I’m doing alright,” Renfro said following Tuesday’s practice. “I was hurting a little bit on Saturday and on Sunday, but we’re doing better day by day.”
To make matters worse at center, senior Kerry Kodanko, Renfro’s backup, is listed as questionable. That could mean redshirt freshman Ryan Cory to make his first career start on Saturday.
Zachman was a surprise addition to the injury report. A two-year starter, Zachman leads Wisconsin with two interceptions and has 12 tackles in three games. Zachman owns 35 games of experience, including 19 starts at safety. Per the depth chart, sophomore Matthew Traynor is Zachman’s backup.
In good news, senior edge rusher Corey Walker, who has missed the last two games, was upgraded to questionable. However, junior defensive lineman Charles Perkins will remain out.
Wisconsin and Maryland are set to kick off at 11 a.m. from Camp Randall Stadium. NBC has the call live from Madison.
