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Wisconsin Football: Most underrated returning Badgers

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 30: Isaiahh Loudermilk (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 30: Isaiahh Loudermilk (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Kicker – Rafael Gaglianone

Wisconsin Football - Rafael Gaglianone
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 03: Rafael Gaglianone #27 of the Wisconsin Badgers kicks a 47-yard field goal during the fourth quarter to give the Wisconsin Badgers a 16-14 lead against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

They don’t call it ‘special’ teams for nothing. Gaglianone has been one the best kickers in the Big Ten during his time in Madison. He has drilled many clutch kicks for the Badgers to help them to big wins. Gaglianone owns game winning kicks in the 2015 Outback Bowl against Auburn, the 2015 Holiday Bowl against USC, and against LSU and Nebraska in the regular season.

A reliable kicker is somewhat of a luxury in college football. Having Gaglianone back for another year is huge considering the lofty expectations of the offense. If a drive were to ever stall, Gaglianone would get the call. He has a big leg and can hit from 50+ yards when needed. If three points is all it takes late in the game, the field can be shortened because of Gaglianone.

He provides one less thing to stress about as a fan, coach and teammate. That’s the biggest reason he’s on this list. Gaglianone is one of the most consistent Badgers and can become the best statistical kicker of all time with a solid season in 2018. When he takes the field, you know he’s going to do his job. Playing kicker makes him underrated and often underappreciated, though he definitely shouldn’t be.

A good kicker is like oxygen; it’s not important unless you don’t have it. Let’s appreciate Gaglianone’s greatness for his final season as a Badger.