The former Badgers commit could have a new home soon.
The Wisconsin Badgers have seen a lot of turnover at the quarterback position over the past month, as three players have transferred out of the program, while two others have joined via the transfer portal to bolster the room.
Former quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke, Braedyn Locke, Mabrey Mettauer, and Cole LaCrue all entered the transfer portal this past month, seeking opportunities elsewhere as Wisconsin underwent a transition, hiring Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes as the next leader of the offense.
Grimes replaced offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who was fired with two games left in the 2024 season.
Additionally, the Badgers added veteran quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and freshman Danny O’Neil to the fold, getting more depth and experience at the position.
They join 2025 four-star quarterback Carter Smith as the new signal-callers for the Badgers, comprising their room for the upcoming season.
Wisconsin could’ve had a fourth signal-caller but 2025 three-star quarterback Landyn Locke requested a release from his National Letter of Intent (NLI), which was granted just a short time after he signed on Early Signing Day.
Locke, a 6’3, 195-pound quarterback from Texas, had been committed to Wisconsin since June of 2023. But, his future became unclear after Longo was fired and only became further clouded when his brother entered the transfer portal.
Locke sustained a torn ACL earlier in his senior season, potentially making it difficult for him to earn meaningful offers as his recruitment continues.
However, he earned a scholarship offer from Sam Houston State on Monday from a familiar face, as Longo was recently named the head coach at the university.
Phil Longo offers Landyn Locke at Sam Houston State. https://t.co/mOOg0c1KiK
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) December 30, 2024
Locke had previously reported an offer from Florida International, and Sam Houston State is his second known offer since getting released from his National Letter of Intent.
The 2025 quarterback could wait until the February signing day to make his decision, but Sam Houston State could be a realistic destination for the three-star, as he would stay near home, while reuniting with the coach that recruited him at Wisconsin.