Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson chose to leave his pro baseball career and transfer to Wisconsin instead of Auburn.
Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said Monday that Wilson will compete for the Badgers' starting job in the fall. The two-sport star most recently played in the Colorado Rockies' minor league system but apparently is ready to hang up his baseball spikes.
"This is an unusual situation, especially for a program that prides itself on developing players throughout their careers, as we do here at Wisconsin," Bielema said in a statement released by the school. "However, this is a special situation, and Russell is the type of player and person that fits very well with our team."
Wilson has one year of eligibility remaining and can play right away. He will attend graduate school at UW.
Wilson also considered Auburn before settling on Wisconsin.
In an appearance on ESPN's "College Football Live" Monday afternoon, Wilson said he didn't seek any assurances from Wisconsin's coaching staff about being the No. 1 quarterback.
"I never want to be told that I have the starting job," Wilson said. "I never believe in that. I believe that being the competitor that I am, you have to compete every single day."
Still, Wilson's arrival could fill a glaring need for the Badgers, who must replace the solid play of quarterback Scott Tolzien after their run to the Rose Bowl. Wilson could make the Badgers a favorite in the conference.
Wisconsin's offense failed to score a touchdown in the spring game in April as prospective starters Jon Budmayr and Joe Brennan both struggled under center. Joel Stave appeared to be the sharpest quarterback of the bunch in the spring game, but he is a true freshman.
Bielema said at the time that those three quarterbacks "aren't anywhere where we need them to be for us to be a competitive team in the fall." Another potential starter, Curt Phillips, will miss the season after having knee surgery.
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