Posted: Sunday August 19, 2012 9:16PM ; Updated: Monday August 20, 2012 12:17AM

Transfer O'Brien tabbed as Wisconsin starting QB

Story Highlights

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema tweeted that Danny O'Brien will be his starting QB

O'Brien came into the Badgers' camp as the favorite to win the starting position

O'Brien and Wisconsin kick off their season against Northern Iowa on Sept. 1

Danny O'Brien transferred from Maryland after starting most of the past two seasons.

Patrick Semansky/AP

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Danny O'Brien will start at quarterback when No. 12 Wisconsin opens its season.

Badgers coach Bret Bielema announced the decision on his Twitter account Sunday evening. O'Brien, a transfer from Maryland, came into camp as the favorite to win the job, and beat out redshirt senior Curt Phillips and redshirt freshman Joel Stave.

Bielema posted, "Both Curt and Joel had great camps as well, we are very fortunate that we have 3 QB's that can play winning football for us."

Wisconsin opens the season Sept. 1 against Northern Iowa.

O'Brien, a starter for most of the past two seasons at Maryland, is eligible to play right away because he already has graduated - the same rule Russell Wilson took advantage of at Wisconsin last season.