One major publication didn’t believe the Badgers had a strong offseason this year.
The Wisconsin Badgers had quite the eventful offseason, as they saw over two dozen players enter the transfer portal, while bringing 20 others in, overhauling their roster after a disappointing 5-7 season.
Wisconsin also made a major coaching change, firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo and hiring Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, hoping to get back to a more smashmouth style of offense with a strong rushing attack.
Now, they head into a crucial 2025 season, and head coach Luke Fickell has some questions to answer with one of the toughest schedules in the country. Did Wisconsin do enough this offseason to improve its roster?
ESPN ranked every Power 4 team’s offseason, judging their analysis based on three criteria: 1) retention of key (non-draft-eligible) players, 2) retention of key coaches or staff upgrades, and 3) player additions, primarily through the transfer portal but also high school recruits.
Where did the Badgers rank in the mix? Ranking every conference on its own, Wisconsin came in at a porous 16th in the Big Ten, despite having a lot of changes this offseason.
What did ESPN believe was the team’s biggest issue this offseason?
“Wisconsin made the necessary pivot on offense to Grimes and a more traditional scheme, but did the team bring in enough through the portal? Edwards could stabilize the quarterback situation, but the Badgers lost [Tawee] Walker, their leading rusher, to Cincinnati and [Will] Pauling, their top receiver, to Notre Dame.
“Wisconsin seemingly upgraded the tight end spot with Ball State’s Tanner Koziol, but he transferred out in the spring and the team scrambled to add Missouri State’s Lance Mason. The Badgers’ limited portal approach on offense outside of wide receiver and quarterback could be costly. Wisconsin addressed its depth needs on defense, but not adding a transfer running back seemed odd.”
Well, Wisconsin was expected to lose Walker regardless, as it was unclear he’d have the eligibility to return. But, it was clear the Badgers were handing the reins over to their young running back room, with 2024 four-stars Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree ready to take over as the lead duo.
By not taking in a transfer, though, Wisconsin doesn’t have much depth in the room, which could be a question mark for the team.
What went right for the Badgers this offseason?
“The Badgers correctly reset their offensive approach and Edwards has the talent to thrive in the right situation,” ESPN wrote. “Wisconsin also needed new bodies on defense after a season where it generated only 17 sacks and four interceptions.
“The team not only brought back linebacker Christian Alliegro, defensive backs Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman, and others, but added transfers like [outside linebacker] Mason] Reiger, cornerback Geimere Latimer II, outside linebacker Corey [Walker], and defensive linemen [Charles] Perkins and Parker Petersen. The staff’s ability to develop defensive transfers mostly from Group of 5 or FCS programs could make a massive difference this fall.”
The defensive front was a clear area of need for the Badgers this offseason, so they went out and got significant depth to fit their scheme change. While Saturdays will be the only indicator of how this defense will perform, they’re bigger up front and on the edges, which should help their run defense efforts.
Still, with all the moves, Wisconsin only ranked 16th out of 18th Big Ten teams. Here is the full ranking:
2. Oregon Ducks
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
7. USC Trojans
9. UCLA Bruins
13. Iowa Hawkeyes
16. Wisconsin Badgers
Do you agree with the list and where Wisconsin is? Let us know in the comments below!