Badger football wrapped up their spring showcase last week, and there was a lot to glean from the two weeks of practice. Wisconsin fans got to see their first look at the 2025 squad, and while not everything looked perfect, there is much to get excited about.
Freshman edge Nicolas Clayton is a budding star
Edge rusher Nicolas Clayton has impressed all spring, including during the showcase when he racked up three sacks, and now figures to get plenty of playing time as a true freshman. The Badgers really struggled with their pass rush in 2024, and at 6-foot-5, Clayton has the length and speed to contribute right away in 2025. He's probably not an every down player yet, but situationally and on third down, he could be a bright spot.
The offense has more questions than answers right now
The offense as a whole has been very up and down this spring, and sometimes more down. The quarterbacks, including QB1 Billy Edwards Jr., have struggled with accuracy and ball security. The offensive line has been inconsistent and a sieve at times, and running back depth behind Dilin Jones may become an issue. Still, ultimately there shouldn't be too much concern yet. It's a new system with new coaches and new players, but coupled with the unfortunate transfers of Tanner Koziol and Mark Hamper, and the season-ending injury to Kevin Heywood, the Badgers still have a ton of work to do on the field and in the portal to get things in better shape for August.
Despite losses, secondary looks better than ever
After losing Hunter Wohler to the draft, and up-and-coming cornerback Xavier Lucas to whatever that ordeal was, the Badger secondary needed a lot of help. But it looks like so far the unit is in great shape despite the losses. Transfers Geimere Latimer and Matt Jung have had strong springs, and the return of both Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman has this group primed to be much better than 2024, despite losing an NFL talent in Wohler. The secondary notched six interceptions on their 12th and final practice, so it it's any indication, this will be a fun year.