After weeks of speculation surrounding a possible connection between Wisconsin and Danny O'Brien, the former Maryland quarterback has scheduled a trip to Madison to visit the Badgers this weekend, according to Badger Nation.
O'Brien was named the ACC Rookie of the Year after passing for 2,438 yards, 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a redshirt freshman in 2010, but struggled in the spread offense new Maryland head coach Randy Edsall put in place in 2011, throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions before suffering a season ending injury Nov. 12.
He announced his decision to transfer Feb. 13, and because he plans to graduate from Maryland this spring, he'll be free to use his final two years of eligibility without the normal one year waiting period for transfers.
For the second season in a row, the Badgers have a need at quarterback. Senior Curt Phillips, junior Jon Budmayr and incoming freshman Bart Houston will miss or be limited in spring camp while recovering from injuries, leaving redshirt sophomore Joe Brennan and redshirt sophomore Joel Stave as the only healthy quarterbacks on the roster.
While O'Brien (or anyone else who starts at quarterback for Wisconsin) likely won't be able to match the record-setting numbers put up by Russell Wilson last season, his track record of success in a pro style offense would probably give him an edge over the inexperienced passers currently on the Badgers' roster.
O'Brien has already visited Penn State and will visit Ole Miss this week before his trip to Madison.