Wisconsin OC Phil Longo: Badgers have true 'competition' at quarterback

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo is echoing the recent words of head coach Luke Fickell regarding the Badgers quarterback competition entering fall training camp.

“It’s a competition,” Longo said during his media availability on Monday. “Is there anything other than a close competition? These guys are battling right now.”

The comments were made as Fickell, Longo, defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and several top players met with the local media on Monday, a day before the team officially begins its training camp practice at UW-Platteville.

Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke will enter that practice as the projected starter. He transferred to Wisconsin this offseason with three years of high-level starting experience, including an ACC Rookie of the Year debut season in 2021. Redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke, meanwhile, was thrust into action ahead of schedule last year for the Badgers. His future with the program is bright, but the program’s offseason addition of Van Dyke made its intentions clear entering the season.

Nevertheless, Longo and Fickell have both been sure to highlight the word ‘competition’ when speaking publicly about the team’s dynamic at quarterback over the last week.

That may be done to promote development and keep options open. Or there may be a smaller gap between the two players than many realize. Either way, an answer will become clear as the team begins its practice this week and next.

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