The trajectory of Wisconsin football has undoubtedly changed since Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced Luke Fickell as the Badgers' head coach. That change is even more apparent with the commitment of 2024 four-star QB Mabrey Mettauer. With the addition of Fickell and incoming offensive coordinator Phil Longo, one thing stands out: Madison, Wisconsin has become a prime destination for college quarterback recruits.
Imagine saying that just 27 days ago.
Wisconsin has more young talent at quarterback than ever
Fickell and Longo's recruiting acumen has delivered more young quarterback talent to Madison than ever. In 2023, the Badgers' options at QB are Oklahoma transfer and former four-star prospect Nick Evers, incoming three-star Cole LaCrue, and former three-star Myles Burkett. They will each enter next season with four years of eligibility remaining.
Today, Fickell secured the verbal commitment of Mettauer. Assuming that the Badgers can keep Mettauer's commitment and no one transfers out before 2024, Longo will have an enviable pipeline of recruits to call his offense. Arguably, Wisconsin will have the best QB room in the Big Ten, aside from Ohio State.
Longo and the Air Raid are raising the ceiling for Wisconsin football
All three of Wisconsin's most-recent quarterback commits have praised Fickell's decision to bring Longo and his version of the Air Raid offense to Madison.
In an interview with Ryan Harings of Locked on Badgers, LaCrue said, "times are changing, and I'm glad Wisconsin has caught up to it."
After announcing his decision to transfer to Wisconsin, Evers told The Athletic, when asked about Longo's offense, that he's "excited because we will have the ability to throw the ball more and get it into the hands of our playmakers."
Today, in the tweet announcing his commitment, Mettauer said he "will look forward to playing in the Air Raid!"
Wisconsin has always had a stable of dynamic running backs, stout offensive linemen, and a dynamic play-making defense. When you add a potential game-changing quarterback, the Badgers can become the consistent top-15 program fans have been clamoring to see.