Time continues to tick away before the Wisconsin Badgers take the field to begin their 2024 football season.
The next step is fall training camp, which spans from July 29 to the week leading up to the team’s Aug. 30 season-opener against Western Michigan. The first two weeks from July 29 — Aug. 12 will be held on the campus of UW-Platteville before the team travels back to Madison, Wisconsin for its final preparation.
Related: These 13 Badgers can become household names as the 2024 football season goes on
The 2024 season is one of both intrigue and importance for the Wisconsin football program. The goal will be a step forward after consecutive 7-6 seasons. It will need to be accomplished against one of the sport’s toughest schedules as the Big Ten expands to 18 members, plus as head coach Luke Fickell continues to install his program and its identity.
That dynamic creates a substantial unknown surrounding the season with it kickstarting the conference’s new era. It also puts further importance on the job required of Fickell and his staff to turn the program around. 2024 projects to be a turning point in the program’s history in the conference. Which direction the program turns is the big variable.
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Preseason Previews
Big Ten Team Previews: Indiana Hoosiers — Purdue Boilermakers — Illinois Fighting Illini — Northwestern Wildcats — Minnesota Golden Gophers — Nebraska Cornhuskers — Iowa Hawkeyes — Rutgers Scarlet Knights — Maryland Terrapins — Michigan State Spartans — USC Trojans — UCLA Bruins — Washington Huskies — Michigan Wolverines — Penn State Nittany Lions — Ohio State Buckeyes — Oregon Ducks — Wisconsin Badgers
Big Ten Position Previews: Quarterbacks — Running Backs — Wide Receivers — Offensive Lines — Tight Ends — Defensive Line — Linebackers — Cornerbacks — Safeties
Wisconsin Position Previews: Quarterback — Running Back — Wide Receiver
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Our season preview work continues today (Sunday, July 28) — the day before the Badgers report to training camp — with a full look at the team’s projected starting lineup.
There remain several important position battles to watch as training camp continues, including the competition for WR3, RB3, and for a starting spot at defensive line and outside linebacker. But after Luke Fickell and LT Jack Nelson, ILB Jake Chaney and S Hunter Wohler appeared at Big Ten media days, here is our current projection for the team’s offensive and defensive two-deep to start the 2024 season:
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
Fickell continues to say that the Badgers have a true quarterback competition entering fall camp. He’s done so, however, while acknowledging Van Dyke’s stature and experience. Reading between the lines, it’s Van Dyke’s job barring something unforeseen.
Running Back
Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi goes through a drill during spring practice Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 13, 2024. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter (1a): Chez Mellusi
Backup (1b): Tawee Walker (transfer, Oklahoma)
Wisconsin’s backfield projects to be a true tandem. That should help both players stay fresh throughout the season, especially given Mellusi’s extensive injury history. This is one of the Big Ten’s best duos at the position.
Wide Receiver (X)
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) celebrates a touchdown against the LSU Tigers in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Starter: Bryson Green
Backup: Joseph Griffin Jr. (transfer, Boston College)
Wisconsin’s wide receiver rotation can go seven or eight players deep. So while Green and star Will Pauling may dominate the targets, expect the ‘backups’ to also have big roles. Griffin Jr. is one of those players after transferring in from Boston College during the spring.
An accomplished player in Griffin Jr. possibly being a backup is a good indication that Wisconsin has one of the best wide receiver rooms in the Big Ten this season.
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: Vinny Anthony, Quincy Burroughs
This position is the biggest question in the wide receiver room. Williams had a top-end high school recruiting ranking but has yet to live up to that potential. Anthony and Burroughs both flashed at times during spring ball and could eat into Williams’ snaps.
This is a spot to watch during training camp.
Wide Receiver (slot)
Wisconsin receiver Will Pauling makes a catch during spring practice outside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 13, 2024. Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Will Pauling
Backup: Trech Kekahuna
This could become a star-powered duo if Kekahuna takes the second-year jump that many expect him to take. Pauling will lead the Badgers in every receiving category. But Kekahuna may prove to be too good to keep on the sideline.
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
Expect another quiet season from Wisconsin’s tight end room. Young players to watch are Jackson McGohan (transfer) and freshman Grant Stec. The Badgers are still in search of any level of receiving production from the position.
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
Wisconsin’s five offensive line starters are set. The training camp battles will be for the backup spots, which includes breakout true freshman Kevin Heywood.
Left Guard
Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Brunner (56) goes through drills with Jake Renfro (57) during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024.Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Joe Brunner
Backup: J.P. Benzschawel
Brunner is one of Wisconsin’s more exciting prospects entering the 2024 season. He’s a popular breakout pick as Longo’s offense looks for consistency at the position.
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
The only question here is whether Renfro can return to his All-AAC form from 2021 at Cincinnati. He’s battled injuries over the past two seasons and played in only one game in 2023 (ReliaQuest Bowl vs. LSU)
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
Again, Wisconsin is strong along its starting offensive line. The biggest question is the team’s depth. Benzschawel projects to be an important depth piece at multiple positions.
Right Tackle
Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman (71) blocks Maryland defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote (99) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starter: Riley Mahlman
Backup: Barrett Nelson
Wisconsin cannot afford an injury at tackle with Vanderbilt transfer Leyton Nelson reportedly out indefinitely. Mahlman and Jack Nelson are terrific. But the depth is a real question.
Defensive Line
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow talks with Curt Neal during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starters: Curt Neal, James Thompson Jr., Ben Barten
Backups: Cade McDonald, Elijah Hills (transfer, Albany), Brandon Lane (transfer, Stephen F. Austin)
Thompson Jr. is Wisconsin’s one guaranteed star at the position entering 2024. Both Lane and Hills will play big roles after transferring in this offseason. The position is one of the biggest questions on the team entering the season.
Outside Linebacker
Nov 12, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) reacts after a defensive stop during the first quarter as Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen Mason Richman (78) and Logan Jones (65) look on at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Starters: Darryl Peterson, John Pius (transfer, William & Mary)
Backups: Leon Lowery (transfer, Syracuse), Aaron Witt
The starting spot across from Peterson is a big position battle to watch during training camp. Transfers Pius and Lowery are both accomplished pass-rushers — an attribute Wisconsin dearly lacked in 2023.
Inside Linebacker
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jake Chaney (36) reacts after a stop during the first half against the LSU Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Starters: Jake Chaney, Jaheim Thomas (transfer, Arkansas)
Backup: Christian Alliegro, Tackett Curtis (transfer, USC)
Wisconsin remade its inside linebacker room this offseason with the additions of Thomas, Curtis and Sebastian Cheeks. Chaney is set as one starter, with the other spot up for grabs between the other players listed.
This position is likely to go from average last season to one of the team’s strengths in 2024.
Cornerback
Defensive back Ricardo Hallman warms up for spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
Starters: Ricardo Hallman, Nyzier Fourqurean, Austin Brown (nickel cornerback)
Backups: R.J. Delancy (transfer, Toledo), Jonas Duclona, Max Lofy
Wisconsin is deep at cornerback with more starting-caliber players than available positions. This position will be one to monitor throughout fall camp as DC Mike Tressel finds the most effective way to deploy his talented secondary.
Safety
Nov 11, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) celebrates following a play during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Starters: Hunter Wohler, Kamo’i Latu
Backups: Preston Zachman, Braedyn Moore
Wisconsin’s secondary is set for a strong season with Hallman back at CB and Wohler back at S. The two will lead a defense that projects to rise toward the nation’s best.
Specialists
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) holds the ball for Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) during the first half against the LSU Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Kicker: Nathanial Vakos
Punter: Atticus Bertrams
Long Snapper: Cayson Pfeiffer (transfer, Cincinnati)
Punt Returner: Tyrell Henry (transfer, Michigan State)
Kick Returner: Vinny Anthony
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Publish date : 2024-07-28 08:53:00
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