Offensive coordinator Phil Longo will have a very different cast this season compared to last. With new transfers like Tyler Van Dyke, Tawee Walker and Joseph Griffen Jr., there are a lot of fresh faces in the building at the skill positions. So what might their season stats look like for 2024?
QB Tyler Van Dyke
2023 (Miami): 2,703 yards, 19 TD, 12 INT
2024 Prediction: 3,078, 22 TD, 8 INT
Van Dyke had a very average 2023 season for the Canes, and will look to get a fresh start in Madison. I think in Wisconsin's air raid offense he finds a little more success, throwing for numbers similar to his incredible 2021 season that gave him some Heisman hype. Badger quarterbacks only completed 59% of their passes last season and with Van Dyke's career 64% completion rate, the offense should see a nice uptick in production.
RB Chez Mellusi
2023: 307 yards, 4 TD, 6.0 yards per carry
2024 Prediction: 915 yards, 7 TD, 5.1 yards per carry
With star running back departing for the NFL, the doors will open up for Chez Mellusi. Mellusi has had some injury issues, but with a full healthy season he should have solid production. I think with a bigger workload his yards per carry might dip a little bit, but he should still be close to a 1,000 yard rusher, as long as he can keep the starting job away from impressive transfer Tawee Walker...
RB Tawee Walker
2023 (Oklahoma): 513 yards, 7 TD, 5.0 yards per carry
2024 Prediction: 505 yards, 6 TD, 4.8 yards per carry
Walker has impressed so far in his short time in Madison. He's probably RB2 at this point in time, but his body and run style may make him an even better NFL prospect than Mellusi. I think Walker will enjoy similar success to his days at Oklahoma, but as long as Mellusi is healthy, he won't get full custody of the backfield. Still, Badger fans have a lot to be excited about with this new transfer.
WR Will Pauling
2023: 74 receptions, 837 yards, 6 TD
2024 Prediction: 73 receptions, 799 yards, 5 TD
Pauling had a breakout year for the Badgers and there will be a giant target on his back entering 2024. I think for that reason, and the hope that the receivers on the outside will see improvement, it will be hard to best his 2023 numbers.
WR Bryson Green
2023: 32 receptions, 480 yards, 2 TD
2024 Prediction: 41 receptions, 588 yards, 4 TD
Green saw a dip in his production form the 2022 season, but I think he returns to form with a better 2024. With the Badgers looking to be more aggressive throwing the ball downfield this year, Green could enjoy more success on the outside.
WR Joseph Griffen Jr.
2023 (Boston College): 25 receptions, 345 yards, 1 TD
2024 Prediction: 36 receptions, 475 yards, 4 TD
Newcomer Griffen Jr. is a big 6'3" receiver who will give the Badgers an outside presence they didn't have last year. In this scenario, I think Griffen starts over C.J. Williams and has a solid year, improving on his last Boston College numbers.