Offensive linemen and defensive backs lead the way for the Badgers in 2025.
The Wisconsin Badgers are just a month away from fall camp, with the 2025 season just around the corner.
With an overhauled roster and new schemes on both sides of the ball, there will be some changes for the Badgers this year, but one area that hasn’t altered much is the team’s top players.
Several key starters are back for the 2025 season, so it’s a good time to see who the team’s top 10 players are this year. EA Sports recently released updated rosters for every team for their College Football 26 game.
Let’s look at their top-ranked Badgers in this year’s installment.
No. 10-11: RBs Cade Yacamelli/Darrion Dupree – 82 OVR
Two running backs crack the cut at No. 10 and 11, as Cade Yacamelli and Darrion Dupree are both 82 overalls.
While he hasn’t had much volume, Yacamelli has speed and figures to compete for a role in the running back rotation this fall. On the other side, Dupree’s ranking is a testament to his potential, as he’s expected to have a bigger season in 2025 as one of the team’s lead backs.
No. 9: WR Vinny Anthony – 82 overall
The Badgers have quite a few 82 overall players, and Vinny Anthony comes in as one of them at No. 9.
Anthony’s ranking is a bit of a surprise, as his breakout season in 2024 could’ve warranted a slightly higher rating. But, he’s also got great speed, and should reprise his role as Wisconsin’s WR1 in 2025.
No. 8: TE Lance Mason – 82 overall
The lone transfer on the list comes in at No. 8 with tight end Lance Mason, who is (you guessed it) also an 82 overall.
Mason, a transfer from Missouri State, came to Wisconsin in the spring transfer portal after Tanner Koziol transferred out. Mason caught 34 passes for 590 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 as one of the top FCS pass-catching tight ends.
No. 7: OL Joe Brunner – 84 overall
The first Wisconsin offensive lineman makes the list at No. 7: left guard Joe Brunner.
Brunner plays with a violent mean streak and is set to be a second-year starter in 2025, being a key returner for Wisconsin’s offense.
No. 6: OL Jake Renfro – 85 overall
Another offensive lineman makes the list at No. 6: center Jake Renfro.
Renfro had his first year as a starter at Wisconsin in 2024, but was also a First-Team All-AAC center at Cincinnati before transferring over.
He’s dealt with his fair share of injuries, but has emerged as a key leader offensively and plays a key role as the center on a strong offensive line.
No. 5: S Austin Brown – 86 overall
Jumping into a key hybrid role in 2024, Austin Brown should be returning to his more natural position of safety in 2025.
Brown had 51 tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a sack while starting eight games last season, playing both in the slot and as a safety.
No. 4: CB Nyzier Fourqurean – 87 overall
An unexpected returner, Nyzier Fourqurean applied for a waiver and is on track to return in 2025.
Fourqurean will return as a starter opposite Ricardo Hallman at cornerback, providing Wisconsin some stability after Xavier Lucas left for Miami this offseason.
No. 3: S Preston Zachman – 88 overall
A breakout player in 2024, Preston Zachman racked up 58 tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions as a full-time starter opposite Hunter Wohler.
He’ll reprise his role in 2025, with Austin Brown joining him in the backend of the secondary, and will look to be more of a leader as a sixth-year senior this season.
No. 2: OL Riley Mahlman – 89 overall
A legitimate NFL prospect, Riley Mahlman elected to return to school after an inconsistent year in 2024. He’ll now look to re-establish his value as Wisconsin’s starting right tackle, and become their second-highest-rated player at an 89 overall.
With Wisconsin transitioning to more of a run-heavy offense, the offensive line will become even more important this season. Mahlman is a big part of that.
No. 1: CB Ricardo Hallman – 90 overall
Unsurprisingly, Wisconsin’s top-rated player is cornerback Ricardo Hallman, who was a second-team All-American in 2023 when he recorded seven interceptions.
It was a much quieter year for Hallman in 2024 as teams elected not to throw his way, leading to an empty season on the stat sheets.
Regardless, he’s the lone 90 overall player for the Badgers in this year’s game.