Wisconsin Badgers football: What to know about Western Michigan

Western Michigan must replace Marshawn Kneeland and Keni-H Lovely.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland in the second round. Kneeland played nine games with the Broncos and led the team with 4.5 quarterback sacks and eight quarterback hurries. Ken-H Lovely tied for the team lead with leading tackler Tate Hallock with two interceptions and signed an undrafted free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. 

On the defensive line, Athlon Sports preseason honorees Corey Walker and Mason Nelson return. Walker finished last season with 31 tackles, eight TFLs, and 2.5 quarterback sacks. Nelson boasted similar statistics to Walker with 32 tackles, five TFLs and three quarterback sacks. Former Louisville Cardinals Popeye Williams and Rodney McGraw, as well as Iowa Hawkeyes transfer Anterio Thompson, will also be in the mix on the defensive line. 

The strength of the Western Michigan defense will be in the secondary. Cornerback Bilhal Kone and safety Tate Hallock were both listed on Athlon Sports preseason second-team All-MAC list alongside Walker. Returning cornerback Aaron Wofford was second on the team in total tackles behind Hallock. Just like with the defensive line, the Broncos also received commitments from the transfer portal.

Here is what SB Nation's Andrew Pearson wrote about the incoming Western Michigan secondary transfers:

"Armani-Eli Adams is a fifth-year player from Florida Atlantic and started most games for the Owls last season. His stat line looks very similar to Hallock and Wofford at an American Athletic Conference program. He totaled 69 tackles, an interception and eight passes broken up. Michael Gravely started at Michigan State before dropping down to the College of DuPage where he played well. Ryan Raybuck intercepted four passes and deflected 23 in his four seasons at Division 2 Anselm. Raybuck can play, but he’s making a big jump from DII to FBS."

- Andrew Pearson, Hustle Belt

While the Badgers are 23.5-point favorites over the Broncos and should win this game, Western Michigan could give the Badgers an early test. This was a team last year that took early leads on Iowa and Syracuse before faltering late.