Lateju, Sam Garner, Micheal Watts, Hardy Clark, Cam Capper, Deed Braam, Drew Heywood, Kevin Brunner, Joe Raymond, Cody Renfro, Jake Roeske, Michael Witt, Aaron Davenport, Nolan Okla, Joey Brown, Evan Nelson, Leyton Benzschawel, JP Barten, Ben Nelson, Barrett
Mahlman, Riley Kodanko, Kerry Heinzen, Davis Mandell, Emerson Clifford, John Johnson, Dillan Lange, Peyton McDonald, Will Cubberly, Colin Powell, Logan Kelley, Mason Bork, Emmett
Stec, Grant Vils, Nolan Mason, Lance McGohan, Jackson Lemirand, Ben Metzger, Hayden Vakos, Nathanial Howard Jr., Jamel West, Sean Anderson, Stone Walker, Corey Willor Jr., Ernest Ukponu, Xavier Lane Jr., Brandon Gavin Lahm Williams, Jaylen Pettaway, Torin Petersen, Parker
Bowick, Justin Resetich, Mac Patterson, Kaleb Sanders II, Mario Hollins, Ashton Karriem, Saboor Bryant, Alec Feagin, Kaden Boyd, Carson Brown, Daniel Cox Jr., Torrie Valentine, Ca’Lil Clarke, Juice Bailey, Matthew Capka, Alexander Warren, Jeremiah Altmyer, Luke Lowery, Leon Hampton, Ethan Scott, Miles Trimble, Brayden Turner, Donovan Petty, Trey Reynolds, Amar Clement, Hudson Scott, Xanai Rusk, Cole Scott, Xavier Lovett, Andre Newton, Jershaun Farrell, Logan Heckel, Tanner Dixon, Collin Jacas, Gabe Bartolotta, Michael Murgin, Mason Rooks, Tyson Forster, John Strain, Tyler Clawson, Ben Laughery, Aidan III Jones, RJ Wyche II, Cedric Anderson, Jordan Olano, David Woodward,Vernon Ball, Aaron Straughton, Des Kante, Ismael Osada, Lucas Rashad, Corey Kaiser, Karson Roseik, Dylan Griffin, TJ Hayden, Jojo Clement, Murphy Cox, Tywan Beerman, Grant Gayle, Erik
Griffin, Grayson Durojaiye, Tomiwa Hansen, Lane Paris, Jack Odeluga, Kenenna Peters, Trey Crimmins, Keelan Kreutz, James Zardzin, Luke Barna, Joe III Mahoney, Patrick Mccullom, Angelo Hood, Malachi Baker, Easton Smith, Carter Leonard, Clayton Farrell, Pat John, Demetrius Rousseau, Griffin Mcmillen, TJ Gallardo, Guillermo Hirdes, JJ Barrett, Zach Priestly, Melvin Schuster, Dezmond Kreutz, Josh Francis, Kellen Hansen, Brandon Mcdonough, Michael McMillan, Tyler Knapik, Nathan Knapik, Ayden Gesky, Josh David, J.C. Henderson, Brandon Frechetter, Dylan Tuerk, Eddie Stewart, Zafir Beatty, Hank Rau, Lars Furtney, Jake Griffin, Tysean Smith, Grant Arkin, Tanner Abney, Christian Mcclure, Tyler Stoffel, Davin Hollinger, Tanner Jr. Thompson, James Brooks, Cameron Hunt, Gentle Hewitt, Carter White, Isaiah Coenen, Eli Neal, Curt
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Fickell, Badgers need a turning point
By Caroline McGartland SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin has been a tumultuous ride. But over the last month, the third-year head coach experienced a much needed stabilization. After upsetting then No. 23 Washington and putting up a decent battle against No. 2 Indiana on the road, the tone around Fickell has shifted.
A mere 48 hours before taking on Washington, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh confirmed Fickell would return for the 2026 season. Since then, something in the air has changed, and so has Wisconsin’s play.
Wisconsin has two games left this season, and while the Badgers are no longer bowl eligible, the way they play against Illinois and Minnesota will go a long way in proving whether there has truly been a shift in Madison.
Illinois, who the Badgers play Saturday night at Camp Randall, is 7-3 on the season and comes off back-to-back wins against Maryland and Rutgers. The Fighting Illini are currently sitting at #21, having picked up a key win against USC and are led by former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema.
While not easy, Wisconsin has an opportunity to better the script on a disappointing season. But to do that, Fickell needs to focus on some key areas.
Finding an identity on offense
Wisconsin’s injury report has been a never-ending revolving door this season. Fickell’s quarterback room has been in constant rotation, ceasing any opportunity to achieve stability at the sport’s most important position.
Center Jake Renfro and running back Dilin Jones — key pieces for the Badgers — both had surgeries during the second by week and are out. Last week’s starting running back Gideon
Ituka, who left Saturday’s game on a stretcher with a scary injury, seems to have avoided a long-term injury but may be out against Illinois.
But even with the injury troubles, there may be hope for Wisconsin’s offense.
True freshman Carter Smith led the Badgers to victory over Washington, and in his first start against Indiana, didn’t strongly inhibit Wisconsin’s chance to win.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes did a nice job in the first half to establish the run game to help pair with the inexperienced Smith. While Indiana adjusted and ran away with a 31-7 victory, Wisconsin’s strong first half is worth remembering.
While things are currently trending in a more positive direction than at other points this season, Wisconsin needs to find an offensive identity. Since the run game will presumably get a heavier workload, Wisconsin will need to establish a threat from the backfield to keep the Illini defense on their feet.
To do this, Wisconsin’s offensive line, which has been shaky at times, needs to step up.
The Illini defense had nine pass breakups and forced two turnovers on downs last week, stepping up for their underperforming offense. Wisconsin, entering as 9.5 point underdogs against Illinois, will need to bring their best attributes to the table against a tough defense in order to have a shot at completing another upset.
Aggressive play calling
In their last two games, Wisconsin has shown a sense of urgency, a quality that was sorely lacking for most of the season.
Against Washington, the Badgers executed a fake punt in their own territory. The gutsy decision paid off perfectly, as punter Sean West completed a pass to Jackson Acker for 24 yards.
Against Indiana, Wisconsin went for it on a fourth-and-one in the second quarter, and Smith found a wide open Lance Mason for a 41-yard touchdown to tie the game.
These are examples of the spark Badger fans have been waiting for. With a bowl game out of the picture, Wisconsin is playing with nothing to lose. They have greater opportunity to experiment, attack and take risks, giving themselves a fighting chance as the scrappy underdogs. The aggressiveness Wisconsin has shown on offense the last two weeks needs to continue in the final two games of the year.
He has the locker room!
Despite fans booing and chants of “Fire Fickell” raining down on Camp Randall in September and October, Badgers players have consistently backed up their head coach.
“He is our head coach and we are going to fight, scrap and claw for him and we all have 100% confidence in him. And we are going to show up for work everyday and give it our all for him,” freshman linebacker Cooper Catalano said after the Washington win.
Defensive lineman Ben Barten appeared in every game this season for Wisconsin’s defensive line, and is always quick to back up Fickell for supporting him.
“I was in a very interesting situation with the last staff, and then came in and continued to work,” Barten said. “And Coach Fickell gave me the opportunities. So I owe my, like, everything I’ve done through football to Coach Fick. This staff… has believed in me, so I’m just continuing to fight for them every day.”
Looking back a few more weeks to the Badgers’ hard fought 21-7 Oregon loss, Fickell said the locker room stuck together, quieting a
negative voice.
“You walk into that locker room, as disappointed as you are, as much as you want to lose your mind, and you look at those guys’ eyes, and they are not batting an eye,” Fickell said. “They’re not pointing a finger at each other. They’re not arguing with each other.”
That level of honesty from the head coach hints that Fickell’s players still believe in him. There is no sugar coating that those shut out losses against Iowa and Ohio State truly made most of the fanbase question Fickell’s validity as a leader.
But after these past two weekends and McIntosh’s vote of confidence, the Badgers are on the climb. The players, young ones, seem to want to play for Fickell, and there is growth happening in the program.
Looking ahead
As the Badgers prepare for the two last games of their season, they are looking more like a team discovering an identity. In November they have shown they can fight scrappy underdogs with a tough defense and a run-first offense, traits that have historically been central to Wisconsin’s success.
With two emotional and winnable rivalry games left on the table, Wisconsin must continue their recent urgency. If the Badgers come out flat, displaying the product they showed for much of the season, fans will be right to question if the Washington win was a fluke.
But if Wisconsin plays like they have recently, with a chip on their shoulder and an attitude of newfound toughness, they will undoubtedly challenge Illinois and Minnesota for wins, showing that this program is moving in the direction with Fickell at the helm for the foreseeable future.
Wisconsin eyes home finale win against Illinois gameday
By Spencer Teman STAFF WRITER
The Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois Fighting Illini will square off for the first time since 2023 on Saturday.
The Big Ten rivals come into this matchup heading in opposite directions. Illinois enters Saturday ranked No. 21 in the country, while the Badgers are slugging through a season that has featured only one Big Ten win.
Illinois comes in with a 7-3 (4-3 Big Ten) record and will head to their third bowl game in the last four years in a matter of weeks. The Illini started the season hot with three straight victories, holding steady with a 4-3 record since. Two of those losses came against Ohio State and Indiana, the No. 1 and 2 teams in the country, respectively.
The Illini are led by senior
quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has over 2400 passing yards on the campaign and ranks seventh in the country in QBR. Altmyer is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten, a con-
ference that possesses the elite quarterback play of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Heismanlevel talents that both dominated Wisconsin this season.
Illinois is coming off an emphatic victory at home against the Maryland Terrapins. The Illini held the Terrapins to just six points, and Luke Altmyer had his seventh multi-touchdown game this season.
For the Badgers, they are back in Madison after a blowout loss to the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington. After a tightly contested first two quarters, the Badgers lost control in the second half, resembling losses all year for head coach Luke Fickell and his team. They enter Saturday with a 3-7 (1-6 Big Ten) record and will miss out on bowl season for the second year in a row after snapping their 22-year bowl streak last season.
If the Badgers are able to feed off home field advantage like they did in their upset win against the Washington Huskies, where the
atmosphere and weather were on their side, they could send fans home happy in the final home game of 2025.
Seniors like Ricardo Hallman, Vinny Anthony II and Riley Mahlman will play in their final home games as Badgers on Saturday. After a couple of disappointing seasons, the seniors will look to end their Badger careers with a victory.
Although this game may not seem as meaningful for the 2025 season, it is crucial for the momentum Fickell and the Badgers are trying to create going into next season.
It has not been a pretty sight this year for Badger football, but a win against a Big Ten rival in Illinois could go a long way for the future of the program. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Camp Randall.
The other border battle: History of Wisconsin, Illinois rivalry
By JJ Rodriguez STAFF WRITER
When Wisconsin and Illinois meet on Saturday at Camp Randall, the two teams will renew a classic Big Ten rivalry. Saturday’s game is the first matchup between the Badgers and Fighting Illini since 2023 and the first in Camp Randall since 2022.
Wisconsin currently leads Illinois 45-38-7 in the all-time series, but the rivalry has long been contested, beginning with a 10-10 tie in 1895.
Wisconsin and Illinois have shared more than just the field in that stretch, with Bret Bielema serving as head coach for the Badgers from 2006 to 2012 and now the Fighting Illini since 2020. Bielema was the defensive coordinator under head coach Barry Alvarez for two seasons before taking over as head coach in 2006.Bielema won three consecutive Big Ten Championships with Wisconsin from 2010 through 2012.. He compiled a 68-24 record with the Badgers, including a win over No. 1 Ohio State in 2010.
Bielema left the Badgers for Arkansas after the 2012 season. At the time, he said, “I just felt it was time for me to try and spread my wings and fly a little bit further.” Bielema lasted five seasons with the Razorbacks before being fired in 2017.
Bielema took over as head coach of Illinois after a brief stint as an assistant in the NFL. At Illinois, his record is 35-25 overall and a 22-21 Big Ten record, coming off a 10-3 season last year, his best finish with the Illini so far.
From 2008 to 2018, Wisconsin held a dominant eight-game win streak over Illinois.
In the midst of the decade-spanning streak, Wisconsin had a commanding 56-32 road win in 2013, where the Badgers iconic rushing duo of Melvin Gordon and James White combined for 241 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, with Illinois slightly closing the gap to 28-17 at the end of the half. Wisconsin wasn’t fazed by the comeback attempt, punching the Fighting
Illini in the mouth en route to a 42-17 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The last win of the streak came during the 2018 season, when Jonathan Taylor rushed his way to 159 yards to help the Badgers win 49-20 at Camp Randall. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook threw for three touchdowns and two interceptions, with Wisconsin’s defense stepping up in raking in three interceptions.
In a stunning upset in 2019, a mediocre 2-4 Illinois broke their eight-game losing streak against Wisconsin with a field goal as time expired, giving them the 24-23 edge against the then No. 6 Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Wisconsin held a comfortable 24-13 lead with 9:46 remaining in the fourth quarter after a 20-yard field goal from kicker Collin Larsh. The defense seemed to seal the game for the Badgers, stopping Illinois on a fourth and 1 attempt on their own 45 yardline. But a complete meltdown from the Wisconsin offense gave Illinois life, with Taylor fumbling on second down just outside the redzone. Illinois wasted no time taking advantage, driving down the field for a touchdown in less than 90 seconds thanks to 18, 22 and 29-yard plays respectively. The latter was a passing touchdown from quarterback Brandon
Peters to bring the Illini within three with 5:53 remaining.
Even with the score tightening, Wisconsin still had a chance to chew clock and force Illinois to use their timeouts. Quarterback Jack Coan helped lead a five-play drive to the Wisconsin 45 yard-line, but an illadvised pass from Coan on second down resulted in a crucial interception with just 2:32 left in regulation.
Illinois would complete the comeback and heartbreak for Wisconsin fans, a loss that signaled a turn of fortune for the Illini against the Badgers. In their last five games, Wisconsin still holds the edge at 3-2, but this is not the same Illinois team from the 2010’s, and it’s certainly not the same Wisconsin team that used to dominate these contests.
Illinois infamously beat Wisconsin 34-10 in 2022 in what ended being longtime head coach Paul Chryst’s last game. Following the loss, which dropped the Badgers to 2-3, athletic director Chris McIntosh fired Chryst in his eighth season.
In their most recent encounter, the Badgers managed a comeback of their own in a 25-21 win on the road in 2023. Down 21-7 in the third quarter, quarterback Braedyn Locke rallied his team in scoring 18 unanswered points, including a game-winning touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaining.
On the other side of the loss in 2023, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer will seek revenge. Another testament to the culture shift in Illinois, Altmyer has been the consistent option at signal caller since his sophomore season, a stark contrast to the quarterback turmoil that has plagued Wisconsin ever since head coach Luke Fickell’s hiring.
A win for Wisconsin could add some comfort to a season rife with negativity and would also reassure themselves regarding their recent struggles against Illinois. Once a big brother, little brother dynamic, Illinois defeating the Badgers on their home turf could be the final nail in the coffin for their claim to prominence against Big Ten competition.
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Five players to watch
By Matthew Schultz STAFF WRITER
Saturday’s game against Illinois marks the last of eight matchups for Wisconsin against opponents who were ranked at some point during the 2025 season. While unranked now, the Illini sit comfortably in bowl range at 7-3. On the other sideline, Wisconsin’s troubling season continues with their home finale.
Here are five players to look out for during this Big Ten battle.
Wisconsin: Wide receiver Vinny Anthony II
Anthony II started the 2025 season hot, accumulating 258 yards on 21 catches through the first five games, including a nine catch, 97-yard performance against Michigan. Clearly the initial top target in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’s scheme, the senior wide receiver has cooled off considerably, totalling just six catches and 42 yards since.
Luckily for the Badgers, Illinois’s pass defense has been subpar this season. They allow 258.8 yards per game through the air, the 24th most in all of college football and the most in the Big Ten.
Inconsistent quarterback play, along with run-heavy gameplans from Grimes, has prevented Wisconsin from going over 300 passing yards in any game this season. But the run game has not been much better, possibly propelling Grimes to open up the playbook. Wisconsin’s points have come at a premium, averaging just 12.0 points per game, second worst in all of college football. Only the lowly 0-11 UMass Minutemen have been worse.
True freshman quarterback Carter Smith didn’t look stellar in his first start against Indiana, but at this point in the season, the Badgers could be looking to throw downfield frequently to see if the highly-touted recruit is the future at quarterback. Anthony II has shown he can make plays when given the chance, and this week gives him a stage to showcase those explosive spurts.
Illinois: Wide receiver Hudson Clement
Unlike Anthony, Clement, a West Virginia transfer, was rather invisible in the first half of the season. Through six games, Clement posted just 13 catches for 136 yards
and no touchdowns. Against Ohio State in October, the junior wide receiver brought in a season high six receptions for 47 yards. Two weeks later, Clement racked up 84 yards and a touchdown against Rutgers. His success continued this past week vs. Maryland, tallying 72 yards on three catches, as well as two touchdown grabs.
Wisconsin’s secondary has made strides throughout this season, but still allows opponents 228.1 passing yards per game. Quarterbacks have completed over 70% of passes against the Badgers. Depending on how aggressively senior quarterback Luke Altmyer is pressured, Clement could emerge as the main target for the third straight week.
The Badgers’ secondary will likely focus on bracketing standout Illinois senior receiver Hank Beatty, who has the fourth most receiving yards in the Big Ten (758). Facing a near impenetrable run defense, Illinois must turn to the air at Camp Randall. Clement’s recent consistency gives reason to keep eyes on him all game.
Wisconsin: Running back Darrion Dupree (Questionable)
After taking two massive hits against Indiana, breakout running back Gideon Ituka suffered a severe injury with 8:35 to go in the third quarter. He was placed on a backboard and carted off the field. Luckily, Ituka gave a thumbs up upon his exit and tweeted saying he returned on the team plane, but his absence provides a major opportunity for Darrion Dupree.
After playing limited snaps against Washington and Indiana, Dupree could potentially regain his spot as the feature back against Illinois. Posting just six yards on seven carries this past week, and only 181 yards for the season, Dupree hasn’t stood out. Still, the potential for success is there, as he finished second in rushing yards behind Tawee Walker last season.
Teams rush for just 130 yards per game against the Illini, the 36th fewest in all of college football.
Less promising is Wisconsin’s 110.5 rushing yards per game this season. However, Dupree has only led the Badgers in carries twice this year. One of those games came against Maryland, in which he gained a season high 52 yards.
In what will be a “prove it” game for all young Badgers, Dupree could capitalize on his opportunities if he is healthy. But
Freshmen give Badger football much needed spark
Several new faces have stepped up in a big way
By Tejas Rao STAFF WRITER
A cast of freshmen have injected a surge of energy and promise into the Wisconsin Badgers’ season, with multiple young and hungry players stepping up to fill critical roles in all three phases.
Defense
his nagging lower body injury, suffered in the shutout loss to Iowa, is a major question mark.
Illinois: Edge rusher Gabe Jacas
For those unfamiliar with the Illinois roster, Jacas stands out as an NFL-ready prospect. His sheer strength and power off the edge has bolstered his resume, tallying 23.0 career sacks and seven this season alone. With three games left, Jacas also has a chance to surpass his season high of eight sacks, which he achieved last year.
A true game wrecker like Jacas is likely to capitalize on Wisconsin’s weakness at offensive line, which has allowed 21.0 sacks thus far. The senior pass rusher wreaked havoc against Rutgers with two sacks and provided constant pressure in the Maryland matchup.
Entering the season, scouts regarded Jacas as a potential thirdround pick in the upcoming draft, with all the tangibles to move up to a first-rounder. Don’t be surprised if the 6-foot-3, 275 pound monster disrupts the Wisconsin offense all night.
Wisconsin: Linebacker Darryl Peterson
One of the lone bright spots in the Indiana game, Peterson exploded for a season high six tackles and 2.5 sacks. Doing so against a top five Hoosier offense is more than impressive, and after a quiet start to the season, Peterson can continue his momentum Saturday.
Despite Illinois’ offensive success (30.0 PPG), they have allowed 25 sacks, which is the fourth most in the Big Ten.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel dialed up a ton of pressure against Heisman favorite Fernando Mendoza, and results were optimal. The defense’s five sacks last weekend make up one third of all sacks allowed by Indiana in 2025 (15).
Against a significantly weaker Illini offensive line, Tressel will likely come with just as much, if not more pressure. Peterson’s power off the edge will play a major role in the Badgers’ upset chances. Going eight straight weeks without a sack, Peterson’s consistency is a worry, but if he rides this momentum, the senior’s final game at Camp Randall is definitely worth monitoring.
True freshmen have had a significant impact on both sides of the ball. On the defensive end, linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano have quickly become two of Wisconsin’s best players. Their performances have given the Badgers a chance to stay in games against ranked teams like Oregon and Indiana and were crucial in securing a much-needed win against Washington.
Catalano, a Wisconsin native and Posa, a standout from New Mexico, put up huge numbers and have shown relentless effort in every opportunity that’s been given to them. After the Badgers’ most recent home win against then No. 23 Washington, both linebackers were honored by the Big Ten.
Catalano was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the first Wisconsin freshman to win the award since 2009. He collected 19 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack — the most tackles for a Power 4 freshman since 2017. Posa was also named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after putting up 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble — becoming the first FBS player this season to accomplish this stat line in a game.
“They’re just doing a great job and they’re playing the game the way the game is supposed to be played,” head coach Luke Fickell said. “They bring that energy, they have a communication side to them and there’s some natural things that you don’t teach. They got that.”
Offense
After a tense season with quarterback switches and injuries, fourth-string true freshman Carter Smith stepped up against the Huskies. Despite a difficult day through the air — completing just 3-of-12 passes for only eight yards — Smith impressed with his running ability, racking up 47 yards on 15 carries and a rushing touchdown — Wisconsin’s only touchdown of the game.
More than that, Smith was a steady hand in an offense that has lacked stability all season.
“He gave us a chance. He gave us
hope,” Fickell said.
Continuing on the offensive end, running back Gideon Ituka has stepped up majorly for the Badgers, filling in for injuries to running backs Dilon Jones and Darion Dupree. He made his first career start against then No. 6 Oregon, rushing for 85 yards on 21 carries, and stayed consistent with another strong performance in Wisconsin’s upset win over Washington, rushing for 73 yards on 19 carries Ituka has totaled 223 yards on 51 carries on the year, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Ituka was carted off the field with an injury in the third quarter against No. 2 Indiana. Fickell offered an encouraging report after the game.
“Gideon flew home with us, walked on the plane and had a smile on his face like he always does,” Fickell said.
Special Teams
A second-string punter from Mequon, WI, Sean West has played a prominent special teams role in 2025 for the Badgers, regularly flipping the field with strong, highyardage punts — averaging 52 yards over 11 punts, including a long of 54.
Earlier this season against Ohio State, West converted a fourthand-19 by running for 20 yards and a first down — Wisconsin’s longest run from scrimmage in the contest. He struck again against Washington a couple weeks later with a 24-yard pass to fullback Jackson Acker, which also became Wisconsin’s longest completion of the night. West’s ability to pull off multiple successful fake punts has kept both fans and opponents on their toes.
“What an incredible job he did today. Sean has shown us over and over again on a consistent basis that he’s got a really good leg,” Fickell said after the Ohio State game. “The play that he made was not something that was called. But it’s a case of a young guy making a play. He beat two of their better players and so there’s a bright spot in a kid that’s dying to be here.”
The freshmen uprising within the Badgers’ football squad has energized both the team and fans at Camp Randall. The defense’s resurgence, marked by improved tackling, sacks and game-changing plays from Posa and Catalano, sets a foundation for future seasons. Renewed optimism and an ability to perform under pressure are crucial to building a core for continued success in the seasons to come.
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Four seniors who will be playing their last game at Camp Randall gameday
By Kira Rath STAFF WRITER
In a rough season punctuated by a blur of beatings, shutouts and letdowns, some seniors on the Badgers football team will play their last game at Camp Randall when Wisconsin hosts Illinois Saturday.
Though the Badgers have not had the season they hoped for, multiple senior players have contributed to the few moments of success the team experienced in the last few years. Their performances and commitment to the team have positively shaped the Wisconsin program into what it is today and will be going forward.
Kicker Nathaniel Vakos
Kicker Nathanial Vakos has appeared in every Badger football game as the placekicker since he first joined the team in 2023 after transferring from Ohio. The kicker was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2023, and is currently on the watch list for the award for the 2025 season.
Vakos was also an honorable mention for the 2023 All-Big Ten team, as well as earning the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award in September of that year. In 2024, Vakos became
the Badgers all-time leader in 50 plus yard field goals, with four in total.
Vakos has made all 80 extra point opportunities since the beginning of his career with the Badgers, as well as 32 of his 47 field goal attempts. Throughout his career, the Badgers have relied on him to put points on the board when most needed.
While Vakos made himself crucial in Wisconsin’s 13-10 win against Washington by drilling two field goals, he has made only 5 of 9 field goals this season, and head coach Luke Fickell revealed Wisconsin is open to making a change at the position.
Tight end Jackson Acker
Jackson Acker may also be playing his last home game in Madison. Acker has been with the Badgers since the start of his Division I career in 2021, playing multiple positions beside tight end for the team, including running back and fullback. Acker earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and 2023. Through his 48 games as a Badger, Acker has amassed 383 rushing yards and 269 receiving yards, as well as five touchdowns. On special teams, Acker has earned eight solo tackles.
Vinny Anthony II, a long time Wisconsin wideout, has been a key contributor since the start of his career in 2022. The senior has appeared in almost every game since his freshman year, with six career touchdowns and a total of 831 receiving yards. Anthony’s most successful season was in 2024, where he earned 672 total receiving yards. Anthony was also recognized multiple times that year within the Big Ten and ranked fourth in total return yards as the Badgers’ primary kick returner.
Anthony was awarded Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and 2024. He was also featured on the 2025 Paul Hornung Award preseason watchlist as one of the most versatile players in the league. Anthony has been able to perform efficiently for the team in his last two seasons, with his blazing speed allowing him to change the game with one catch.
Cornerback Ricardo Hallman
Ricardo Hallman has earned many honors since becoming a Badger in 2021. Hallman was awarded Academic All-
Big Ten honors three times (2022, 2023 2024), as well as AP Third Team All-American and All-Big Ten Third Team in 2023. The cornerback is also currently a semifinalist for the 2025 Campbell Trophy given to the nation’s top college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership, and on-field performance and has generated some NFL draft buzz. Throughout his career, Hallman played in almost
every Badger football game, recording 88 total tackles, 72 of which were solo tackles. Hallman has also recorded ten interceptions, as well as a defensive touchdown in 2023. These seniors, along with many others, will most likely appear on the Camp Randall field as a Badger for the last time Saturday. Their contributions to the Wisconsin football program are not to be overlooked, as they leave their all on the field.
The future of Wisconsin football: Recent commits, decommits, walk-ons and in-state recruits
By Grace Cannizzo STAFF WRITER
As the Badgers near the end of a historically poor season, Wisconsin’s upcoming recruiting class has also taken a hit.
The team currently has 14 commits in the class of 2026, a number that has fluctuated over the past two months due to multiple commitments and decommitments. The class ranks 67th in the nation, according to 247Sports, the worst of Fickell’s tenure.
Wisconsin’s recruiting class was ranked 40th in the nation in 2023, and in 2024, the class ranked 25th.
This recruiting class significantly thinned in the last few months after seven players decommitted. Specifically, Wisconsin lost a pair of threestar offensive linemen in the last two weeks.
6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackleMaddox Cochrane decommitted Monday, just two days before 6-foot-6 310pound interior offensive lineman Benjamin Novak also parted ways with the Badgers. Since the season began, the Badgers have also lost threestar wide receiver, Tayshon Bardo and three-star linebacker Aden Reeder. The Badgers have taken steps to fill in the gaps, recently flipping three-star running back Qwantavius
‘Fatboy’ Wiggins from Florida International. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder out of Fairburn, Ga announced his commitment to Wisconsin on Nov. 11.
In his junior year at Langston Hughes High School, Wiggins’ ability to stay on his feet proved exceptional, as he ran for 1,003 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 9.0 yards per carry.
He is the second running back to commit in the class, alongside Amari Latimer, Wisconsin’s top 2026 commit and four-star recruit from Tyrone, Ga., who committed to
Wisconsin in June.
In early October, Latimer visited Ohio State and wore a Buckeyes arm sleeve during a high school game, leading to speculation about him flipping his commitment. However, the Sandy Creek High School product and brother of Wisconsin junior cornerback Geimere Latimer has remained true to the Badgers. Latimer’s high football IQ and gritty playstyle make him a threat to expose any gap, as backed up by his 136 carries for 1,113 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. On defense, three-star defen-
sive end Yahya Gaad committed to the Badgers in October after previously decommitting from UCLA and SMU.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder from Medina, Tenn., chose Wisconsin over 19 other teams, most notably passing up on offers from Georgia, Indiana and Texas. Gaad is a magnet to the ball carrier with relentless pursuit and strong hands. He totaled 50 tackles, 29 of which were for loss, and six sacks in his junior year at South Gibson High School.
Additionally, Wisconsin was able to flip 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback Donovan Dunmore from Oregon State. Dunmore’s 35-inch vertical paired with his sheer speed — running a 10.56 second 100 meter dash — can be a great asset for the Badgers who employ deep coverage schemes.
Out of Wisconsin’s 15 commits, inside linebacker Ben Wenzel is the only in-state player. This meager number is arguably unsurprising, as the team’s 2025 115-player roster includes only 35 Wisconsin natives, dropping from 48 players in 2021.
Currently, only four of the Badgers’ 292 offers are to Wisconsin natives, and aside from Wenzel, the other three are committed to other Big Ten schools: inside offensive lineman Samuel Simpson committed to Indiana, wide receiver Brody Schaffer to Iowa and offensive tackle Gavin Meier to Minnesota.
Wisconsin has notoriously
struggled with in-state recruiting in the Fickell era, and a recent survey conducted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that 10 of 13 anonymous Wisconsin high school coaches either disagree or strongly disagree that the Badgers’ staff has made Wisconsin high school coaches and players a priority.
However, amid criticism, Wisconsin has recently made considerable efforts to bring in more Wisconsinites, using priority walk-on offers as a means to land more in-state players.
Last week, Sun Prairie East kicker/punter and unrated recruit Brady Melum accepted the Badgers’ walk-on offer. This came within days of Reedsburg quarterback and safety Will Mikonowicz announcing his priority walk-on offer from Wisconsin, despite his commitment to Division II program Minnesota-Duluth.
Additionally, in October, defensive lineman and running back out of Waunakee, McCoy Smith, announced his decision to play for the Badgers after receiving a walk-on offer of his own. Whether or not recent decommitments are influenced by Wisconsin’s lack of success this season is up for speculation, but what is most important is filling in these gaps.
Signing day is Feb. 4, and the Badgers have a long way to go in securing a well-rounded class.
Wide Receiver Vinny Anthony II
EVAN HALPOP/THE DAILY CARDINAL
JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
gameday
Q&A: UW Marching Band member details tradition, performance within ensemble
By Alexis-Rose Fischer STAFF WRITER
Assistant drum major Arista Whitson helps lead the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band in collaboration with drum major Caleb Monge. For every Badger football game played at Camp Randall, the band performs a pregame, halftime and fifth quarter performance celebrating their legendary tradition with energy and precision.
Emphasizing dedication, Whitson took The Daily Cardinal behind-the-scenes to discuss the work behind each performance, her perspective on leading the band and what fans might not see from the stands as the band prepares for the final halftime show of the season Saturday.
This interview has been edited forclarityandbrevity.
What does a typical rehearsal week look like?
A typical rehearsal week runs from Tuesday to Friday with practices from 3:30-5:30 every day. If we have a game day on Saturday, we have an early morning rehearsal before the game too. If we have two or three weeks to prepare a show, the first Tuesday is typically a full day of music rehearsal, but if we only have one week we jump right in to working on pregame and halftime.
We also spend time outside of rehearsals picking up our uniforms, charting our parts in our music and practicing on our own
Badgers
By Dominic Violante BEET EDITOR
if necessary.
Are there any behind-the-scenes traditions that are meaningful?
Right before pregame, when we’re in the tunnel about to head out onto the field, we chant “Eat A Rock” as the drums start the cadence. It’s a saying in the band that means that what we’re about to do is more difficult than eating a rock, and it’s a way to help hype ourselves up for the show.
What role does the drum major play in each show?
The drum major whistles off the start of every show, including run-on during pregame and the step off for halftime. Pregame has a lot of starting and stopping, so whenever we start a new song the drum major re-whistles the start. They also help whistle the band off the field at the cue of our director, and get [the band] into position for [the] fifth quarter.
What is it like performing as assistant drum major and collaborating with the drum major?
I’ve really enjoyed it because it’s nice to work with someone. I think Caleb and I make a great team when we perform together, and having his guidance has been very helpful.
Being a drum major gives a much broader view of the band and I’ve really enjoyed being able to see the big picture because of it. My first
year as assistant drum major, I can distinctly remember how I felt the first time seeing everyone run out during pregame. Everyone had a look of determination and passion coming out of the tunnel that you wouldn’t be able to see standing in any other position.
It’s definitely overwhelming and exhilarating. I think the most nerve wracking part is catching the baton during pregame, but it’s also the most rewarding. When performing with the band as a musician, it feels like less of the pressure is on you, but as a drum major it’s much more isolated, so it feels higher stakes in a way.
[Being] drum major is a lot of responsibility to hold, but I had been interested in it since my freshman year. Both of our drum majors then were women, and I remember thinking they were the coolest people in the world. They were definitely part of the inspiration, and I eventually decided to just go for it and see what might happen.
What defines the UW Band’s marching’ step?
We call our marching step “stop at the top,” and it’s defined by high knees, parallel shins, a pointed toe and a quick, snappy step when switching feet.
It’s unique to other bands in the snappiness aspect, and most Big Ten bands at least still use a roll step rather than a high step. I may be biased, of course, but our step requires a decent amount of athleticism as com-
predicted to win Rose Bowl after upset
All articles featured in The Beet are creative, satirical and/or entirely fictional pieces. They are fully intended as such andshouldnotbetakenseriouslyasnews.
The Wisconsin Badgers have stunned America, not only crushing the then No. 23 Washington Huskies two weeks ago, but having a nail-bitingly close game against the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers in what many are calling the greatest comeback of all time. Experts say this could be the beginning of one of the best Badger football seasons in history.
“Watching the Badgers absolutely destroy Washington two weeks ago was truly shocking. Then they kept it up, holding their own against Indiana. They did so well these past two games, they might be on track to become one of the best college football teams, not only this season, but
this decade,” college football expert Aaron Brady told The Daily Cardinal.
He went on to go into the specifics of the Badgers’ ingenuity.
“The Badgers were only 24 points away from beating undefeated Indiana. That’s pretty damn close, all things considered,” Brady said. “On top of that and the win against Washington, the Badgers also have two other wins under their belts. It’s safe to say Wisconsin is doing something special.”
After beating the Huskies by over two points and staying within striking distance of the Hoosiers, other prominent figures have praised Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell for his strategic genius.
“The GREAT Luke Fickell is WINNING BIGLY at the BADGER games! True PATRIOT! True HERO! Great THINGS to COME for the rest of THE SEASON! So SAD Idaho STOLE the GAME yesterday!”
pared to other organizations.
What part of marching is most challenging or rewarding, and what do fans tend to overlook?
Getting through run-on during pregame is always a challenge and a test of endurance, but it’s also partially mental. It’s very rewarding to hear the whistle at the end of it and knowing the hard part is over.
I would want [fans] to notice the excitement we have during the shows even when we’re tired. Something that I’m sure gets drowned out in the crowds are the shouts of encouragement we give each other in the middle of shows, but it keeps the energy up for us.
The community within the band is very tight knit, especially within ranks and sections. Since most [members] live together in houses with their instruments, we have a lot of close friendships and connections. I think that helps us on the field because it’s fun to be there with your friends and we all know each other so well.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time with the UW Marching Band?
My favorite memory with the marching band is a pretty recent one. The Badgers have had a difficult season this year, so when we won against Washington at home the field got stormed. Ever since freshman year I had always hoped to see a field storm, so it was incredible for it to finally happen
By Dominic Violante BEET EDITOR
All articles featured in The Beet are creative, satirical and/or entirely fictional pieces. They are fully intended as such and should not be taken seriously as news.
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell is set to receive a $400 million bonus following his close 24 point loss to Indiana last Saturday and 13-10 win against Washington two weeks ago.
“The great Luke Fickell has sifted and winnowed his way to over two wins, so I’m honored to announce we will be giving him a $4 million bonus for his hard work,” University of WisconsinMadison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin
so unexpectedly right at the end of my senior year.
What’s the significance of this last game-day performance for graduating members of the band?
Of course it’s important to everyone, it’s the culmination of the work that we’ve all put in this season to improve ourselves musically and in terms of marching. But for the graduating class it feels like the end of a significant chapter of our lives.
The memories we have associated with the band are essentially endless, and this last gameday marks the end of making those types of memories, so it’s definitely an emotional day.
What would you like to tell those interested in trying out for the band next season?
I would always tell them to go for it.
Our audition process occurs in August, and it involves a week of learning our marching style, called “reg week,” that ends in a formal marching audition. There’s also a music audition that must be submitted for review, and once the audition day is over a list of accepted members is sent out.
It’s rare to find a college organization as large and as closely tied as this one is, and it’s a great opportunity to experience things that no ordinary student would ever get to.
said. “Yes, we’ll have to close all of our libraries four hours earlier every day going forward, but I think it’s worth the sacrifice to award such success.”
While some have been upset by this news, claiming Fickell’s record is historically bad and that he should be fired, others have praised Mnookin’s decision.
“I think the bonus is a great idea. The Badgers are looking at having a killer rest of the season, and honestly, a bigger bonus should probably be considered. I mean, not only did we beat another team while it was snowing, but we also got seven entire points against Indiana. How many other coaches can claim to do that?” Fickell said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Cardin al.
