Tyler Van Dyke named Wisconsin starting quarterback

The quarterback competition in Madison is over. Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo has named Tyler Van Dyke the starting quarterback, making the announcement following practice.

“We have named Tyler Van Dyke our starter,” Longo said Wednesday.

Van Dyke won the job over Braedyn Locke, a former Mississippi State transfer. He now steps into a big role for the Badgers, hoping to have more offensive success than a year ago. Head coach Luke Fickell had to play multiple quarterbacks at times, producing mixed results.

Although, Van Dyke has produced mixed results throughout his career. After a fantastic campaign in 2021, the consistency was never there for Van Dyke at Miami. This past season saw him throw for 2,7003 yards and 19 touchdowns but 12 interceptions, a career-worst.

On3’s Pete Nakos wrote about Fickell hoping to recapture the Van Dyke we saw back in 2021 at Miami. Wisconsin would gladly take 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing just above 62% of throws.

Any head coach will tell you the backup quarterback needs to be just as prepared. Fickell will have Locke, somebody with a bit of experience. Locke played in five games in 2024, throwing for 777 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick. The Badgers were 1-3 in games he started, the lone win being a road contest against Illinois.

Wisconsin entering important 2024 season with Tyler Van Dyke as QB

Fickell is entering his second season with Wisconsin, leaving for Madison after having great success with Cincinnati. Squeaking out a winning record was likely not in Fickell’s plans but his second year could prove to be a lot more successful.

Without the Big Ten having divisions, a tougher schedule is coming at the Badgers. Four conference foes are ranked in the preseason AP top 25, including newcomers USC, who visits Madison on Sept. 28, and Oregon, coming to town on Nov. 16.

Five old Big Ten West opponents join them plus Penn State and Rutgers from the former Big Ten East.

All of this without mentioning Alabama is the premier nonconference opponent on the schedule. The college football world will have eyes on Camp Randall Sept. 21 for an 11 a.m. kickoff. If there was ever a game where Fickell’s team could make a statement, it’s against the Crimson Tide.

Through it all, Wisconsin will be depending on Van Dyke and his experience. If steps forward are going to be made, Van Dyke will have to elevate those around him against tough opponents.