Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesNov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr 9 is shown during spring football practice Thursday April 3 2025 in Madison Wisconsin Mark HoffmanMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
Entering his third year as head coach, Luke Fickell faces a pivotal season for the Wisconsin Badgers. After a disappointing 5–7 record in 2024, which snapped a 22-year bowl streak, the pressure is on to restore the program’s physical identity and compete in a brutal Big Ten schedule. Key storylines include:
Quarterback Stability with Billy Edwards Jr.: The transfer from Maryland, who threw for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, is expected to provide consistency at quarterback. His ability to reduce interceptions (nine last season) and mesh with new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ scheme will be crucial.
Return to a Run-First Identity: Wisconsin’s success has historically relied on a dominant ground game. The Badgers were 12–0 when rushing for over 150 yards under Fickell but struggled (1–13) when they didn’t. With a rebuilt offensive line and young running backs like Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones, recommitting to the run is paramount.
Defensive Rebuild Under Mike Tressel: The defense, which allowed 165 yards per game on the ground in 2024 (worst since 2005), has been bolstered with transfers like EDGE Corey Walker. The “bigger and badder” front seven aims to restore Wisconsin’s rugged reputation.
Brutal Schedule Challenges: Wisconsin faces one of the toughest schedules in the nation, with road games at Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon, plus a home clash with Ohio State. Navigating this gauntlet to reach bowl eligibility is a tall order.
Key Players
Aug 30 2024 Madison Wisconsin USA Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman 2 during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium Mandatory Credit Jeff Hanisch Imagn Images
Billy Edwards Jr., QB (Sr.): The transfer quarterback brings experience and mobility, critical for Grimes’ balanced offense. His 65% completion rate and dual-threat ability make him a focal point.
Ricardo Hallman, CB (Sr.): A first-team All-Big Ten cornerback with seven interceptions in 2024, Hallman anchors a talented secondary.
Darrion Dupree, RB (Soph.): Emerging as the lead back, Dupree’s speed and vision are key to reviving the run game.
Corey Walker, EDGE (Sr.): A transfer from Western Michigan with eight sacks in 2024, Walker is expected to elevate the pass rush.
Vinny Anthony II, WR (Sr.): A deep threat and dynamic kick returner (27.9 yards per return, 10th in FBS), Anthony is a breakout candidate.
Depth Chart (Projected)
Offense
Position
Starter
Backup
QB
Billy Edwards Jr. (Sr.)
Danny O’Neil (Soph.)
RB
Darrion Dupree (Soph.)
Dilin Jones (RFr.)
WR
Vinny Anthony II (Sr.)
Jayden Ballard (RSr.)
WR
Mark Hamper (RSoph.)
Joseph Griffin Jr. (RJr.)
Slot
Trech Kekahuna (RSoph.)
Kyan Berry-Johnson (RFr.)
TE
Tanner Koziol (Sr.)
Tucker Ashcraft (RJr.)
LT
Kevin Heywood (Soph.)
Barrett Nelson (RJr.)
LG
Joe Brunner (RJr.)
Leyton Nelson (RSoph.)
C
Jake Renfro (Sr.)
Kerry Kodanko (Sr.)
RG
Davis Heinzen (Sr.)
Emerson Mandell (RFr.)
RT
Riley Mahlman (Sr.)
Derek Jensen (RFr.)
Defense
Position
Starter
Backup
DE
Corey Walker (Sr.)
Charles Perkins (Sr.)
DT
Parker Petersen (Sr.)
Ben Barten (Sr.)
DT
Dillan Johnson (Soph.)
Brandon Lane (Sr.)
DE
Darryl Peterson (Sr.)
Sebastian Cheeks (Soph.)
LB
Christian Alliegro (Jr.)
Tackett Curtis (Jr.)
LB
Jake Chaney (Sr.)
Tyler Jansey (RFr.)
CB
Ricardo Hallman (Sr.)
Nyzier Fourqurean (Sr.)
CB
Jonas Duclona (Soph.)
Amare Snowden (Soph.)
S
Preston Zachman (Sr.)
Austin Brown (RJr.)
S
Hunter Wohler (Sr.)
Braedyn Moore (RFr.)
NB
Owen Arnett (Soph.)
Max Lofy (Sr.)
Special Teams
Position
Starter
Backup
K
Nathanial Vakos (Sr.)
Gavin Lahm (Soph.)
P
Atticus Bertrams (Soph.)
TBD
KR
Vinny Anthony II (Sr.)
Trech Kekahuna (RSoph.)
PR
Vinny Anthony II (Sr.)
Trech Kekahuna (RSoph.)
Wisconsin’s Full Schedule
Date
Opponent
Location
Time/TV
Aug. 28
Miami (OH)
Madison, WI
9:00 PM ET/ESPN
Sep. 6
Middle Tennessee
Madison, WI
TBD
Sep. 13
at Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
TBD
Sep. 20
BYE
–
–
Sep. 27
Maryland
Madison, WI
TBD
Oct. 4
at Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
TBD
Oct. 11
Iowa
Madison, WI
TBD
Oct. 18
Ohio State
Madison, WI
TBD
Oct. 25
at Oregon
Eugene, OR
TBD
Nov. 1
BYE
–
–
Nov. 8
Washington
Madison, WI
TBD
Nov. 15
at Indiana
Bloomington, IN
TBD
Nov. 22
Illinois
Madison, WI
TBD
Nov. 29
at Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
TBD
Key Games Preview
at Minnesota (Nov. 29)
Why It Matters: The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is Wisconsin’s oldest rivalry, and after a 24–7 loss in 2024, reclaiming the trophy is a top priority. A win could secure bowl eligibility and provide momentum for 2026.
Key Matchup: Wisconsin’s run defense vs. Minnesota’s rushing attack. The Gophers went 7–0 when rushing for over 110 yards in 2024, and stopping Darius Taylor will be critical for Wisconsin’s rebuilt front seven.
Iowa (Oct. 11)
Why It Matters: Wisconsin has lost three straight to Iowa, including a 42–10 rout in 2024. A home win against the Hawkeyes could signal progress in Fickell’s rebuild and boost confidence before facing Ohio State.
Key Matchup: Billy Edwards Jr. vs. Iowa’s secondary. Iowa’s defense thrives on forcing turnovers, and Edwards must protect the ball to keep Wisconsin competitive.
at Alabama (Sep. 13)
Why It Matters: A non-conference road trip to Tuscaloosa tests Wisconsin early against a top-tier SEC program. After a 42–10 loss to Alabama in 2024, a competitive showing would validate the Badgers’ improvements.
Key Matchup: Wisconsin’s offensive line vs. Alabama’s defensive front. Protecting Edwards and establishing the run with Dupree will be essential to avoid another blowout.
Season Outlook
Wisconsin faces a daunting schedule, with likely losses to Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon. However, winnable games against Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee, Maryland, Washington, and Illinois provide a path to 5–6 wins. The Badgers’ success hinges on Edwards’ efficiency, a revitalized rushing attack, and a defense that can stop the run. A 6–6 record and bowl eligibility would mark progress, but the brutal schedule makes every win hard-earned.