The Iowa Hawkeyes dominated their most well-known Big Ten rivals during the 2025 season, something their supporters have recently become used to. Each of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska’s defeats was so severe that there was little question about who was in charge of the area. Not only did Iowa win those games, but the Hawkeyes dominated them from beginning to end, sending a strong message throughout the division.
However, teams in college football seldom get to build on their prior achievements. As 2026 approaches, Iowa’s competitors are already reacting by changing their rosters and searching the transfer portal for solutions. Wisconsin made one of the biggest moves of the early portal cycle, and it might have repercussions for the entire Big Ten West.
Former Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph, a proven dual-threat star, has joined the Badgers. He is one of the conference’s most intriguing offensive additions right away. Joseph is a symbol of urgency and hope for a Wisconsin program in need of inspiration. There’s no denying how difficult the previous season was for Wisconsin’s offense.
The Badgers finished 135th out of 136 teams in the country with an average of just 12.8 points per game. With only 136 yards per game through the air and a completion percentage of 57.7%, passing production was essentially nonexistent. Wisconsin threw 13 interceptions for every nine passing touchdowns, so turnovers were also a persistent problem. The offense found it difficult to stay on the field each week, let alone pose a threat to the opposition’s defense.
Enter Colton Joseph.
When Joseph shows up in Madison, his resume immediately improves Wisconsin’s quarterback room. He made 21 appearances during his two seasons at Old Dominion and became one of the Group of Five’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Joseph threw for 4,251 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
He was equally dangerous on the ground, scoring 24 touchdowns and rushing for 1,654 yards. Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. Joseph was the Monarchs’ offensive engine in addition to being productive. Old Dominion was far more dangerous than many anticipated thanks to his ability to prolong plays, punish defenses with his legs, and create mismatches.
His best season to date was this past one. Joseph guided the Monarchs through one of the most successful campaigns in program history, leading Old Dominion to a 9–3 record. On his own, he rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 13 touchdowns while passing for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Defenses found it difficult to account for him and were frequently forced to make awkward decisions that Joseph confidently took advantage of. The appeal is clear for Wisconsin. In a season where offensive stagnation became the norm, Joseph’s dual-threat skill set provides a dimension the Badgers have lacked. His mobility alone has the power to alter defense strategies and create previously unattainable lanes.
Joseph hasn’t followed the conventional blue-chip route up to this point. He was the No. 103 quarterback in the 2023 class and a three-star recruit after graduating from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California.
The Air Force, Army, and Navy service academies programs renowned for discipline and toughness rather than powerful passing attacks were on his offer list. Joseph opted for Old Dominion instead, where he soon demonstrated his suitability for a larger platform. He now has the chance to test himself against some of the strongest defenses in the country every single week in the Big Ten after moving to Wisconsin.
The move is worth keeping an eye on from Iowa’s point of view. The Hawkeyes recently had Wisconsin’s number, but when the quarterback position changes in college football, things tend to change quickly. Even though Iowa is still confident in its own identity, a functional, dynamic Badger offense would immediately make future meetings more competitive.
There are still many things to figure out. It will take some time for Joseph to get used to a new system, new teammates, and more intense weekly competition. Additionally, rather than trying to fit him into a rigid mold, Wisconsin needs to demonstrate that it can develop an offense around his strengths. Success is not guaranteed by talent alone.
However, this is the type of transfer that attracts attention throughout the conference. Wisconsin added a playmaker who could change games in addition to depth. Iowa’s rivals are demonstrating that they are not standing still as the team gets ready for another season with a target on its back. It’s possible that the Hawkeyes dominated the previous season. But the battle for 2026 has already started.
