Wisconsin football: 3 preseason 2023 storylines to follow

Wisconsin football has always produced a strong running game, in fact, they even have an argument to own claim to the nickname “Running Back U.”

With a new head coach at the helm in Luke Fickell, this upcoming season looks no different at the running back position with Braelon Allen. The one thing, however, Wisconsin has struggled with is at the quarterback position. Last year’s starter, Graham Mertz, threw for only 2,136 yards and completed 57 percent of his passes.

While the running game and the defense were bright spots last year, what can Badger fans expect this year?

Here are the most important summer storylines to follow.

3. Quarterback battle

Last year’s starter, Graham Mertz, decided to jump ship and transfer to Florida. So Wisconsin, like so many teams, went transfer portal fishing and managed to catch a big fish in Tanner Mordecai.

The former SMU quarterback threw for 3,524 yards and completed 65 percent of his passes while throwing for 33 touchdowns. Jump around, Badgers fans.

No team in the country had a bigger transfer commitment than Wisconsin. It’s almost comparable to USC getting Caleb Williams. Mordecai has a chance to be the best quarterback the program has had since Russell Wilson, and if he plays anything remotely close to how he played at SMU, Wisconsin will be fighting for a Big Ten title.