In a surprising and unprecedented move, the Wisconsin Badgers football program has traded their starting quarterback, Billy Edwards Jr., to the Ohio State Buckeyes in exchange for a package that includes a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2026 third-round pick. This bold decision has sent shockwaves through college football, raising questions about the future of both teams and the motivations behind the trade.
Billy Edwards Jr., who transferred to Wisconsin from Maryland in 2024, had shown significant promise as the Badgers’ starting quarterback. In his lone season with Wisconsin, Edwards Jr. impressed with his leadership, poise in the pocket, and dual-threat ability. He threw for over 2,800 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, while also contributing 148 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. Edwards’ performance was critical in helping the Badgers secure a solid season, with many fans and analysts predicting that he could be a cornerstone for the program in the upcoming years.
However, despite his impressive statistics, Edwards’ future with the Badgers now seems uncertain. The move to trade him to Ohio State is perplexing given his performance, but it’s clear that the decision was driven by both on-field and off-field factors. Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell and athletic director Chris McIntosh may have seen this as an opportunity to capitalize on the high demand for a quarterback like Edwards Jr., who possesses an NFL-caliber skill set. By acquiring valuable draft picks, they can now invest in the long-term future of the program, possibly targeting a high-profile recruit or quarterback in the coming seasons.
From Ohio State’s perspective, the acquisition of Edwards Jr. seems like a strategic move to bolster their already formidable offense. With a deep roster and championship aspirations, the Buckeyes are looking for an edge in the highly competitive Big Ten. Edwards’ versatility as a dual-threat quarterback could provide a significant boost to Ohio State’s already potent offense. While Ohio State already has established quarterbacks, such as Kyle McCord, the addition of Edwards Jr. adds depth and a potential future starter who can compete for the starting role or even push for immediate playing time. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make big throws downfield could be exactly what the Buckeyes need to take their offense to the next level.
For Wisconsin, the trade is a clear indication of their long-term strategy. With the 2025 first-round pick, the Badgers now have the opportunity to secure a high-impact player, possibly a top-tier quarterback, to replace Edwards Jr. in the near future. The 2025 fourth-round pick and the 2026 third-round pick also give Wisconsin more flexibility to build its roster and enhance its depth. By acquiring these draft picks, the Badgers are positioning themselves to reload quickly, despite losing their starting quarterback.
This trade raises a lot of questions about the future of both programs. Wisconsin’s willingness to part with a talented quarterback like Edwards Jr. suggests that they believe they can find success with a different quarterback or build their roster in another way. Ohio State, on the other hand, is clearly all-in on securing a competitive advantage in the Big Ten and national title race by bringing in Edwards. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching the upcoming seasons to see how this unexpected trade unfolds and what it means for the future of college football’s elite programs.
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