New Wisconsin offseason video hints at position change for rising playmaker

The Wisconsin Badgers are in need of safety help this next season, as both former starters are gone. Preston Zachman has transferred to Indiana to use his last season of eligibility to play for the defending national champions. Austin Brown has run out of eligibility. So, there are two positions up for grabs, and while Luke Fickell brought in some transfer portal help. One of the answers may already be on the roster.

Cairo Skanes said on a recent social media video that he's switching positions this offseason from defensive back to safety. That's noteworthy for both Skanes and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Cairo Skanes confirms he has moved from defensive back to safety for the 2026 season

Related: Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: Who's out, in, and the speculation

The video is not about Skanes moving positions; it's about strength and conditioning for Wisconsin football. However, in his brief appearance, he says, "I got moved to safety, so this offseason is really big for me. I've got to gain some weight, get big, so I can come down and hit somebody."

This also explains why the Wisconsin Badgers loaded up at defensive back in the offseason. As they were losing one on the roster to another position. Luke Fickell added four cornerbacks in the transfer portal and only two safeties.

Carson Van Dinter from Iowa State and Marvin Burks from Missouri. Burks is the more well-known addition and the player many assume will be a starting safety next season. Van Dinter will be in the competition for the other spot, but now you have to wonder if Skanes has a shot to be the second starting safety.

He's young and with a position change, but played all 12 games as a true freshman. There's obviously something the coaching staff likes about this move, and a move that could benefit the Badgers immediately.