What to know about Ryan Hopkins, Wisconsin football’s freshman quarterback

MADISON – The Wisconsin Badgers are expected to start a freshman quarterback. Again.

Last year, Carter Smith was forced into action due to a stream of injuries, coming off the bench in an upset win over Washington and then starting the final three games of the season.

On Nov. 7, it will be Ryan Hopkins’ turn. Hopkins is expected to make his first start, allowing him to join Smith and Jay Macias as the only true freshman quarterbacks to start for the Badgers since 1991.

Here is what you need to know about Hopkins.

What is Ryan Hopkins’ height, weight

Hopkins is listed as 6-foot-3, 205 pounds on the Badgers roster.

What schools recruited Ryan Hopkins?

Hopkins was considered a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247sports. ESPN gave him four stars. According to Rivals, he also had offers from Arizona, Cal, Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, Utah, Virginia and Washington at the time of his commitment.

Where did Ryan Hopkins attend high school?

Hopkins began his prep career at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. He transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, before his senior season.

Two of his targets there were USC freshman tight end Mark Bowman and Ohio State freshman receiver Chris Henry Jr. There are eight Mater Dei grads in the NFL this season, including former Badgers receiver CJ Williams.

@RyanHopkins07 runs a smooth 10.66 in a dual meet ready for Arcadia Saturday @PrepCalTrack@MDHS_XCTrack@MDFootball@GregBiggins@SteveFryer@latsondheimerpic.twitter.com/Z0S6ToZST9

— Sam Collins (@hurdle33) April 10, 2025

Ryan Hopkins also ran track in high school

While Hopkins’ ability as a passer has helped elevate him at Wisconsin, he can run. As a high school junior, he posted one of his 100-meter race results on X. He checked in at 10.66 seconds, which would put him ahead of a lot of QBs.

A defensive coach’s perspective on Ryan Hopkins

Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel was asked during the spring what stood out about Hopkins. Tressel highlighted Hopkins’ arm strength and his ability to extend plays.

Next, he offered this nugget:

“And then probably the biggest thing is he has the confidence that he doesn’t get shook. He doesn’t get shook as an 18-year-old coming out here and playing with these guys. He doesn’t get shook when there’s pressure. Not a problem.”

Tressel also said Hopkins has a knack for delivering the ball in unconventional ways.

“He also throws for some crazy arm angles,” Tressel said. “Like we’re in a great position to knock down balls, and he’ll be going Dan Quisenberry, if any of you guys are old enough to know who that is. And other times he’ll be dumping it over the top, which is impressive to see.

“Some people try to mimic Patrick Mahomes, and it just has to be something you can do. He can do that.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Ryan Hopkins, Wisconsin football’s freshman quarterback