MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst hadn't addressed the media since learning on Friday, Aug. 2, that former Badger Quintez Cephus received a not-guilty verdict for two charges of sexual assault, and has since applied for readmission to Wisconsin.

But before reporters even had a chance to dive into questions Wednesday after practice about his feelings on Cephus' possible return to the program, to the University, to the offense, Chryst volunteered a clear message.

"I'd say [there's] not one guy on this team and coaches [that doesn't] want, truly, first and foremost, whatever's best for Q to help him go forward," Chryst said. "That's what we want."

"However that plays out, if it's best for Q, then we couldn't be anymore excited for him that way."

He would repeat that sentiment several times throughout the interview, reiterating that he and the team want what's best for the former UW wide receiver, whatever that looks like for him.

As of Tuesday, one option for that future could be a readmission to the University.

Last year, after Cephus was charged, he was expelled from UW and suspended from the football program. This week, following his non-guilty verdict, reports circulated that Cephus' lawyers had applied to have him reinstated and asked for a response from Chancellor Rebecca Blank and her office within days.

"The lawyers for former Badger WR Quintez Cephus announce they are petitioning UW-Madison for his readmission. They have asked for a response by Thursday. This follows last week’s not guilty verdict in his sexual assault case," WKOW's Amy Gill tweeted.

Per Wisconsin's Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures, "in cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking cases, the readmission decision should be made in consultation with the Title IX coordinator, and the complainant should be notified of any change to the disciplinary outcome."

Should Cephus be afforded the option to come back to campus, Chryst said in his book, the door to Camp Randall would be open as well.

"Yes, if it's best for Q and it truly is for him, then I know his teammates and I know how we feel, we would welcome him back," Chryst said.

"We've talked with the guys about it, it's not about us. It's what's best for him. And if that is [coming back to the team], we absolutely would."

"Right now, there's a lot of steps for that to happen, a lot of things that have to go on and there's been a lot of work being done and will continue to be done so that Q can find out what are his options. Again, I'm proud of the way this team kind of helped him and went through it."

Part of the team's show of support to Cephus included a social media campaign in favor of getting him back on the football field. Several of Cephus' former teammates, including Faion Hicks, tweeted out an image with the hashtag, "#LetQTPlay."

Chryst said he hadn't seen the Twitter activity himself, but heard his guys talking about it and was ultimately fine with them publicly voicing their thoughts.

"I don't know who they're directing it to," Chryst said. "I think it's right for them to have an opinion."

"These are hard times, and it's not just this, but as far as the era, the age we're in right now. Part of college is finding who you are and knowing how you gotta be responsible.

"Offering their support, if it's genuine, I think that's OK."

Chryst said he has little doubt that support would continue on the field should Cephus be allowed and decide to return to the Badgers, as Cephus, during his two years on the field for Wisconsin, was an incredibly supportive teammate himself.

"I know what he was before," Chryst said. "What he was then meant a ton to this team as a player. He was one of those connectors that unified different groups. I think he had a lot of respect."