The loss of Tyler Van Dyke definitely changes the course of the Badgers' season

Wisconsin's plans for the 2024 season have already been thrown into disarray after starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL. Head coach Luke Fickell will have many questions to answer for the remainder of the season.

Van Dyke wasn't the biggest headline in Saturday's crushing loss to Alabama, as the Badgers suffered their worst non-conference loss since 1995. Redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke had to take on the QB1 role, replacing Van Dyke during the game's first drive.

“I think Wisconsin needed that because they're not there athletically yet,” national college football analyst Josh Pate said. “I told you before the game, I have no idea what Wisconsin is — offensive identity, I still don't know. A quarterback failure probably definitely changes the course of this season.”

Locke started three games last season, replacing an injured Tanner Mordecai. He completed 50% of his passes for 777 yards and five touchdowns. Wisconsin went 2-1 in those games and held on to beat Ohio State.

This season was Van Dyke's fifth at the collegiate level and his eligibility is set to expire after the year. His season-ending injury now presents Wisconsin with an opportunity to find its quarterback of the future.

After battling for the starting quarterback position throughout fall camp, Locke seems like he should be the undisputed starter for the rest of the season, with many Badgers fans calling for true freshman Mabrey Mettauer to get a chance.

Milos Spasojevic and Cole LaCrue are the only other quarterbacks on the roster, but Mettauer was a four-star prospect for the class of 2024. He chose Wisconsin despite top offers from Florida, LSU and Miami (FL). At 6'4″ and 225 pounds, he has interesting long-term potential.

It will come down to whether Fickell, Phil Longo and the Badgers coaching staff want to salvage their 2024 season or plan for the future. Locke will likely give them the best chance to win this season, but he could also just put them on the market next offseason for a one-year rental option, which hasn't worked for them so far. Mettauer has potential that no other option on the roster has.