The 2024 Wisconsin Badgers will look different than the team that left the field after a 35-31 loss to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl at the end of the 2023 season.
Head coach Luke Fickell and coordinators Phil Longo (offense) and Mike Tressel (defense) remain. But the program saw turnover on the coaching staff that included the hiring of safeties coach Alex Grinch after Colin Hitschler left for Alabama, the hiring of OL coach A.J. Blazek and the hiring of DL coach E.J. Whitlow after Greg Scruggs left for Michigan.
Related: 10 developing opinions entering year two of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin
Then there’s the roster, which received an influx of transfer portal and high school talent. The Badgers finished the 2024 recruiting cycle with a top-25 high school class, plus On3’s No. 12-ranked transfer group.
That 15-person transfer class included a new starting quarterback, multiple starting linebackers and valuable depth at several key positions. It will have a significant say in whether the Badgers improve upon their 7-6 2023 campaign.
Wisconsin is still more than a month away from kicking off its 2024 season at home against Western Michigan. As we inch closer to that date, it’s time for an updated look at the team’s projected starting lineups.
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First up, an updated look at the offense starting lineup and depth chart:
Quarterback
Wisconsin quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke (10) and Braedyn Locke (18) warm up on the field north of Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 27, 2024 before the team’s intrasquad scrimmage. Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Tyler Van Dyke (transfer, Miami)
Backup: Braedyn Locke
Depth: Cole LaCrue, Mabrey Mettauer
Wisconsin landed Van Dyke during the winter transfer portal window with the same thought as when it added Tanner Mordecai before the 2023 season: find a veteran QB with experience who can win this season while the young quarterbacks continue to develop.
Next in line for snaps is Locke, who was Mordecai’s backup in 2023.
This isn’t quite a QB factory yet. But that all changes if Locke and true freshman Mettauer take big steps forward.
Running Back
Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) runs the ball during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Chez Mellusi
Backup: Tawee Walker (transfer, Oklahoma)
Depth: Jackson Acker, Cade Yacamelli
Wisconsin’s backfield is more of a 1a, 1b situation with Mellusi and Walker. Both bring impressive skillsets to the table. They form one of the Big Ten’s best duos at the position.
The biggest question is the health of Mellusi. He hasn’t played a full season since transferring to Wisconsin ahead of the 2021 season.
Wide Receiver (X)
Wisconsin cornerback RJ Delancy (left) battles receiver Bryson Green during practice on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Bryson Green
Backup: Quincy Burroughs
Depth: Tyrell Henry (transfer, Michigan State), Chris Brooks
Wisconsin is deep and talented at every wide receiver position. These slots will rotate more than just a pure starter and multiple backups.
Green is set for a breakout season atop the group after flashing top-end potential toward the end of 2023. He profiles as a lethal red zone threat and could lead the team in receiving touchdowns.
Wide Receiver (Y)
Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Marquis Wilson (16) tackles Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver C.J. Williams (4) during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: C.J. Williams
Backup: Joseph Griffin Jr. (transfer, Boston College)
Depth: Tommy McIntosh, Vinny Anthony
Williams is a former top recruit who will get ample opportunity to fulfill that potential. These positions are especially busy after Wisconsin landed Henry and Griffin in the transfer portal this offseason.
The starter will get a ton of snaps. But again, this position will rotate four or five players.
Wide Receiver (Slot)
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) catches a pass in front of Ohio State Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor (41) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Will Pauling
Backup: Trech Kekahuna
Pauling led Wisconsin in practically every receiving category in 2023 and should do so again in 2024. Look out for Kekahuna, who could quickly become Pauling 2.0 in the slot.
Tight End
Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Tucker Ashcraft (38) catches a pass to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Tucker Ashcraft
Backup: Riley Nowakowski
Depth: Jackson McGohan (transfer, LSU), J.T. Seagraves, Grant Stec
This position continues to be a work in progress as Fickell and Longo turn over the offensive roster. Ashcraft and Nowakowski are more old Wisconsin tight ends — or even fullbacks. The new-age approach needs dynamic receiving threats at the position.
One player to watch is Grant Stec. He joined the program as a top class of 2024 recruit and may have the talent to quickly push into the top group.
Left Tackle
Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79) goes through a drill during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Jack Nelson
Backup: Kevin Heywood
Depth: Barrett Nelson, Derek Jensen
All five starting offensive linemen are set. Wisconsin does lack great depth behind those starters, however. So an injury or two could prove costly.
Heywood joined the program this offseason as a top class of 2024 signee. He’s already turning heads as a true freshman and looks to be Nelson’s heir apparent at the position.
Left Guard
Apr 11, 2023; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Brunner (56) is shown during practice Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Joe Brunner
Backup: J.P. Benzschawel
Depth: James Durand, Emerson Mandell
Brunner is one of the more promising young linemen Wisconsin has had in years. He is already set to start as a redshirt sophomore after getting his first offensive snaps during the Badgers’ bowl loss to LSU.
Center
Wisconsin offensive lineman Jake Renfro (57) is shown during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Nebraska 24-17 in overtime. Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Starter: Jake Renfro
Backup: Joe Huber
Depth: Kerry Kodanko, Ryan Cory
Wisconsin’s impressive line of centers continues with Renfro, who was an All-American Conference player back in 2021 at Cincinnati.
Joe Huber will start at right guard, but would likely slide to center if Renfro gets hurt.
Right Guard
Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Huber go through a drill during the team’s 14th spring practice, which was held Tuesday morning April 30, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Joe Huber
Backup: J.P. Benzschawel
Depth: Colin Cubberly
Joe Huber is one of Wisconsin’s highest-graded returning players after performing well in 2023. He and Renfro were important transfers for Fickell as he moved from Cincinnati. Both are experienced and well-equipped to succeed in the Big Ten.
Right Tackle
Apr 11, 2023; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman (71) is shown during practice Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Riley Mahlman
Backup: Leyton Nelson (transfer, Vanderbilt)
Depth: Barrett Nelson
Mahlman is Wisconsin’s best returning lineman and projects as a future NFL offensive tackle. The important note here is the program’s addition of Vanderbilt transfer lineman Leyton Nelson, who will provide valuable depth at multiple positions.
Wisconsin is strong along the starting lineup, but again is a bit shallow in the backup ranks.
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Publish date : 2024-07-13 08:10:00
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