Big Ten Media Days Approach; Iowa Among Six Teams Without QB Rep
The unofficial start of the 2026 college football season is almost here. Big Ten Media Days will take place from July 28 to 30 at the Hilton Chicago, featuring coaches and players from all 18 conference teams. For Iowa fans, one notable detail stands out right away: the Hawkeyes are one of six programs opting not to send a quarterback to the podium.
When and Where Are the 2026 Big Ten Media Days?
After a quiet July recruiting dead period, the annual three-day event brings the conference back into the national spotlight. This summer, the Windy City hosts the festivities. All 18 teams will take the stage over the three days, with Wisconsin's interviews scheduled for day one.
The event gives media and fans a chance to hear directly from the leaders of each program. It also sets the narrative for the upcoming season before fall camp officially begins.
Which Big Ten Teams Are Not Sending a Quarterback?
Iowa will not have a quarterback speaking to the media in Chicago. The Hawkeyes join Northwestern, Nebraska, Indiana, Rutgers and Wisconsin as the six programs leaving their signal-callers at home. This marks a shift for the Badgers, who brought quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to the event in 2025.
Under head coach Luke Fickell, Wisconsin has alternated between bringing and holding back their starting quarterback. The Badgers sent Tanner Mordecai in 2023 but kept him home in 2024, choosing to send linebacker Jake Chaney, safety Hunter Wohler and offensive tackle Jack Nelson instead.
Who Is Representing the Wisconsin Badgers in Chicago?
While Iowa holds back its quarterback, rival Wisconsin is sending a trio of fifth-year seniors to represent the program. Wide receiver Chris Brooks Jr., safety Matthew Jung and outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks will speak on behalf of the Badgers.
All three players have spent at least a year in the program, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the podium. Jung joined Madison last fall, Cheeks is entering his third year and Brooks is entering his fifth.
How Are the Badgers' Veterans Preparing for 2026?
The Wisconsin coaching staff has praised all three representatives this offseason. Brooks, a 6-foot-2 wideout, is known for his leadership and physicality. He is slated for a starting role on the perimeter this fall.