Wisconsin Coach Praises Tyler Van Dyke's 'Experience' Ahead of First Season

University of Wisconsin head football coach Luke Fickell highlights Tyler Van Dyke's on-field experience as a key asset for the Badgers in 2024.

Former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has drawn praise from Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell for his experience ahead of his first season with the Badgers.

Van Dyke, the 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year, spent the past three seasons as Miami's primary starting quarterback before entering the NCAA's transfer portal in November. He subsequently announced his intentions to join Wisconsin, which was looking to bolster its quarterback depth after a 7-5 finish in 2023.

Wisconsin Coach Praises Tyler Van Dyke's 'Experience' Ahead of First Season

Fickell, who took over the Badgers program in late 2022, has not officially named Van Dyke the starter for the upcoming campaign. However, during an appearance on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich," Fickell expressed his optimism about the quarterback's potential.

"Obviously experience," Fickell said when asked what he appreciated about Van Dyke. "I like when guys—not just experience in what he's done at Miami—I love a guy that's had the ups and has had the downs. He's been the starter for two years. He's maybe got benched of some sort or he had some turmoil and didn't play as much, and then he came back in and played. Those experiences, for me, are what I believe give him the best opportunity to come in here and lead."

Wisconsin Coach Praises Tyler Van Dyke's 'Experience' Ahead of First Season

Van Dyke's tenure at Miami was marked by both highs and lows. He struggled early in the 2022 season but rebounded last year, completing a career-best 65.8% of his passes while throwing for 2,703 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Since joining Wisconsin, Van Dyke has reportedly impressed coaches with his work ethic and physical transformation. Fickell praised the quarterback's improvement in his running ability, highlighting its importance for his health and overall performance on the field.

Wisconsin Coach Praises Tyler Van Dyke's 'Experience' Ahead of First Season

Wisconsin has been active in the transfer portal since Fickell's arrival, adding several key players, including quarterback Tanner Mordecai last year. Mordecai finished the 2023 season with 2,065 passing yards. Quarterback Braedyn Locke will also return to Madison in 2024 and will compete with Van Dyke for playing time.

Van Dyke will face stiff competition for the starting quarterback role, but his experience and recent growth suggest that he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Badgers. Fickell's positive assessment of his progress is a promising sign as Wisconsin looks to improve upon last year's finish.

The Badgers will open their 2024 season on August 30 when they host Western Michigan.