We've made it to August, which means there is actual Badger football this month. But as Wisconsin takes the field in Platteville for fall camp, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. So what are some of the biggest storylines heading into the 2024 season?
1. Wide Receiver Room
Outside of Will Pauling and Bryson Green, the Badgers are in dire need of a third guy to step up in the offense. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, the wide receiver group is the weakest on the entire roster. C.J. Williams or Boston College transfer Joseph Griffin Jr. are contenders to level up the room, although Green has been having quite the camp himself.
Camp Day 3 a few notes:
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) August 1, 2024
-James Thompson Jr. and Bryson Green have been awesome this week
-I thought Amare Snowden had a couple really good reps in coverage
-Wohler as active as ever, and Heiberger always seems to be there to make a play
-Nice Day for Trech/T Walker #Badgers
Practice No. 3 thoughts from Platteville:
— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) August 1, 2024
Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker will have a case for RB1 when the season opens
Nice practice by veterans Ricardo Hallman and Bryson Green
Going to be hard to a few true frosh off the field this fall, ie: Dupree, Heiberger, etc
2. Quarterback Competition
The quarterback battle, which coaches Luke Fickell and Phil Longo still maintain is a true, open competition, will most likely last all the way up until the opener. I think in most eyes outside of the building, Tyler Van Dyke will start, but if the coaches want to keep their options open and continue to develop both, more power to them. It's just hard to see a scenario where veteran and one time Heisman candidate Van Dyke loses out. But don't expect Fickell to announce a starter anytime soon -- heck, we might just have to wait and see who breaks the first huddle on August 30th.
Phil Longo on the quarterback battle between Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) July 29, 2024
"It's a competition. Is there anything other than a close competition? These guys are battling right now."#Badger
3. Defensive Line Questions
It's no secret the defensive line is a weak spot on the defense. The secondary is great and the linebacking core has been boosted by some new transfers, but the line is still largely unimproved from last year...maybe. Brandon Lane, the transfer from Stephen F. Austin, has garnered some attention early in camp. Maybe he can help James Thompson Jr. and company become a better group in 2024?
-A couple EARLY thoughts on Day one of camp
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) July 30, 2024
-Brandon Lane, Darryl Peterson, Will Pauling among players that impress
-Why I see the class of 2024, eventually, making their mark on the foundation of this program #Badgers
NOTEBOOK from Camp: https://t.co/B13Ce1Uahx
Mike Tressel mentioned James Thompson Jr. and Curtis Neal as two DL who have taken big steps in the off-season.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) July 29, 2024
Also heavily counting on Stephen F. Austin transfer Brandon Lane.#Badgers