Luke Fickell returns for his fourth season in Madison after a subpar 4-8 (2-7 Big Ten) campaign, looking to get Wisconsin back on track. Jeff Grimes returns for his second season as offensive coordinator. Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph is projected to become the new starting quarterback. Abu Sama comes over from Iowa State to bolster the running back room. Wisconsin didn’t utilize their receivers much last year, but their top three from a year ago are no longer with the program. Tyrell Henry returns, and Oklahoma State’s Shamar Rigby looks to boost the receiving room. Colin Cubberly and Emerson Mandell are back on the offensive line that hopes to improve with Oklahoma State transfer Austin Kawecki joining the team.
Mike Tressel enters his fourth season as defensive coordinator. The Badgers return their top two tacklers from a season ago in linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, but lost a lot of production. Arizona State’s Javan Robinson and Missouri’s Marvin Burks look to bring veteran leadership to the back end of the defense. Matthew Jung returns in the secondary.
Bob Ligashesky enters his first season with the Badgers as special teams coordinator, responsible for breaking in a new placekicker and punter. Tyrell Henry will return to take the punt return duties. The Badgers will try to find a replacement at kick returner for Vinny Anthony, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Wisconsin always recruits big bodies on the offensive line, and adding Sama strengthens the running game. If the new pieces on both sides of the ball get on the same page, the Badgers could rebound and finish the season stronger.