ProFootballFocus listed Wisconsin starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. as one player that it needs to see more from in 2025.
Edwards’ placement comes from the outlet’s recent tier ranking of every starting signal-caller at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. He is one of eight players in the tier, which is the fifth-ranked of seven, along with Boston College’s Grayson James, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech’s Behren Morton, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Auburn’s Jackson Arnold and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton.
Here is how PFF explains its points of measurement:
The clustering algorithm draws from PFF’s comprehensive grading and charting data dating back to the 2022 season. Key inputs include each quarterback’s PFF passing and rushing grades, as well as their percentage of charted accurate throws — a measure that accounts for passes delivered in stride, within the receiver’s frame or placed away from coverage. We’ve also factored in PFF Wins Above Average (WAA), which offers a balanced view of both volume and overall value contributed to a program.
More specifically, the tiers are ordered by each group’s average WAA. The first contains the sport’s potential stars, the second those who have flashed brilliance, the third great rushers, the fourth a group that shouldn’t be forgotten, the fifth a group that needs to show more, the sixth a collection of longshots and, finally, the seventh a group of freshmen or others without FBS experience.
Edwards hovers around 0.0 in PFF WAA with nearly 600 dropbacks since 2022. The majority of his production came as a starter with Maryland last season. He finished the campaign having completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Several top-tier performances highlighted that season, including a 253-yard, two-touchdown game against Michigan State, a 289-yard, three-touchdown showing against Indiana, and a 373-yard, two-touchdown performance in a big win over USC.
Notably, Edwards delivered that production while playing behind a Maryland offensive line that ranked among the worst in the Big Ten. With a better supporting cast, Edwards should have little trouble matching those outputs with the Badgers in 2025.
Compared to the local sentiment in Madison, Wisconsin, national outlets are skeptical of Edwards. That may be due to Maryland’s general struggles despite his strong play last season, or his limited experience as a full-time starter. Either way, Edwards has a great chance to elevate his national profile and NFL candidacy when the season kicks off this fall.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: ProFootballFocus ‘needs to see more’ from Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards in 2025
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
