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USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ProFootballFocus ‘needs to see more' from Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards in 2025
All 70 Starters Ranked👀Using Analytics to Cluster/Rank EVERY Starting QB in College Football⬇️ ProFootballFocus listed Wisconsin starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. as one player that it needs to see more from in 2025. Edwards' placement comes from the outlet's recent tier ranking of every starting signal-caller at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. He is one of eight players in the tier, which is the fifth-ranked of seven, along with Boston College's Grayson James, Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech's Behren Morton, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Auburn's Jackson Arnold and Georgia's Gunner Stockton. Here is how PFF explains its points of measurement: The clustering algorithm draws from PFF's comprehensive grading and charting data dating back to the 2022 season. Key inputs include each quarterback's PFF passing and rushing grades, as well as their percentage of charted accurate throws — a measure that accounts for passes delivered in stride, within the receiver's frame or placed away from coverage. We've also factored in PFF Wins Above Average (WAA), which offers a balanced view of both volume and overall value contributed to a program. More specifically, the tiers are ordered by each group's average WAA. The first contains the sport's potential stars, the second those who have flashed brilliance, the third great rushers, the fourth a group that shouldn't be forgotten, the fifth a group that needs to show more, the sixth a collection of longshots and, finally, the seventh a group of freshmen or others without FBS experience. Edwards hovers around 0.0 in PFF WAA with nearly 600 dropbacks since 2022. The majority of his production came as a starter with Maryland last season. He finished the campaign having completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Several top-tier performances highlighted that season, including a 253-yard, two-touchdown game against Michigan State, a 289-yard, three-touchdown showing against Indiana, and a 373-yard, two-touchdown performance in a big win over USC. Notably, Edwards delivered that production while playing behind a Maryland offensive line that ranked among the worst in the Big Ten. With a better supporting cast, Edwards should have little trouble matching those outputs with the Badgers in 2025. Compared to the local sentiment in Madison, Wisconsin, national outlets are skeptical of Edwards. That may be due to Maryland's general struggles despite his strong play last season, or his limited experience as a full-time starter. Either way, Edwards has a great chance to elevate his national profile and NFL candidacy when the season kicks off this fall. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Las Vegas favors Wisconsin football to miss a bowl game in 2025
Las Vegas favors Wisconsin football to miss a bowl game in 2025 There are two clear trains of thought regarding Wisconsin football's chances during the upcoming 2025 season. On the one hand, the team should be much improved on both sides of the ball after an impressive winter transfer window. First, it will have established veterans in important positions in year one under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, headlined by Maryland transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol. Second, it boasts a new-look, veteran-heavy defensive front seven -- a position group that struggled as the 2024 season continued. Returning production is one number that describes Wisconsin's strong standing entering the year. It ranks No. 25 nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten in the metric, with 64% total returning production, 67% on offense and 62% on defense. That is the glass half-full outlook. On the other hand, Wisconsin would do extremely well to return to bowl eligibility. The team is set to face the toughest schedule in the Big Ten and one of the toughest in the sport, with games against Alabama, Iowa, Ohio State, Washington, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Indiana and Minnesota. Wisconsin should be a better football team than the one that went 7-6 in Luke Fickell's first year in 2023, then 5-7 in 2024. However, that may not lead to any improvement in the record column, given the team's gauntlet of opponents. Las Vegas sides with that final line of thinking. FanDuel released its early Big Ten win totals for the 2025 season on Monday. Wisconsin is heavily favored to miss a bowl game for the second straight season: Wisconsin football 2025 Las Vegas win total Win Total: 5 1/2 Odds: Over plus-128, Under minus-158 In other words, Wisconsin's implied odds to finish 5-7 or worse in 2025 are 61.2%. So while quality-based rating metrics should see improvement from the team, the win-loss record isn't expected to change year-over-year. Florida was in a similar position in 2024, with a strong team and one of the sport's toughest schedules. Head coach Billy Napier was firmly on the hot seat after it started 1-2 with blowout losses to Miami and Texas A&M. But the team turned it around as the season continued, punctuated by a four-game winning streak to close the year. The Gators finished 8-5, an impressive record given the circumstances. Wisconsin fans will hope that the Badgers can replicate that performance, notch a few statement wins and return to postseason play. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
