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Wisconsin Football: Badgers predicted to ‘rise in 2021’

By Christian Borman

Dec 19, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) celebrates his third down tackle that stopped a Minnesota Golden Gophers advance during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) celebrates his third down tackle that stopped a Minnesota Golden Gophers advance during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last year, the Wisconsin football team struggled in a very inconsistent season. With the pandemic going on, there was almost never any certainty of whether there was going to be a game from week to week. The Badgers had to cancel or reschedule multiple games due to positive tests within their program or their opponents’.

Graham Mertz was also forced into action when Jack Coan suffered an injury in preseason camp that cost him his entire season.

There were a lot of factors working against the Badgers last season.

But there is a lot to be excited about with the Wisconsin football team in 2021. Chris Hummer from 247Sports thinks the Badgers will be a team on the rise in 2021. From Hummer:

"The schedule is favorable. Wisconsin draws Penn State and Michigan from the Big Ten East, but both of those games will occur in Madison. Northwestern and Iowa head to Wisconsin. The Badgers’ trajectory a season ago was that of a 7-5 team. The 2021 group has all the makings of 10-plus win team."

Mertz will be in year two and should be more comfortable running the offense. Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor are returning, using their extra year of eligibility. Jake Ferguson is also coming back when he could have entered the NFL Draft early.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Badgers are expected to be one of the top units in the country again. Linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal are going to be one of the top linebacking duos in the conference if not the country. Nick Herbig will be back after his big freshman season and Keeanu Benton is will be back to anchor the defensive line.

I think a lot of people think that Wisconsin will be back at or near the top of the Big Ten West and competing for a Big Ten Championship.