Safety Hunter Wohler left for the NFL, and fast-rising cornerback Xavier Lucas left for Miami, so who are the top returning players on the Badger defense for 2025?
CB Ricardo Hallman
Wisconsin's top corner is back for another year after a brief NFL scare. Hallman had a spectacular 2023 season, leading the Big Ten in interceptions with seven, but took a step back in 2024. At his best, he's an elite corner in the conference, but Hallman needs to show 2023 wasn't a fluke. He'll headline a unit that was decimated by portal transfers with the hopes of returning back to form.
S Preston Zachman
Zachman is the veteran leader in the safety room after Hunter Wohler graduated to the NFL. He grabbed two interceptions last year, 50% of the team's total, and was overall very solid in his first year as a starter. Zachman is simply a reliable player at a position that emphasizes just that.
LB Christian Alliegro
Alliegro led the team last season in sacks, with three, but despite the team's struggles overall, Alliegro was everywhere for the Badgers. He was also second on the team in tackles, and if he can take another step up in 2025, there's a real chance he leads the team in sacks again at hopefully a much higher number.
CB Nyzier Fourqurean
After successfully getting another year of eligibility from an NCAA lawsuit, Fourqurean is back again for the Badgers. While he was very up-and-down last season, he showed flashes, and should compete for the starting cornerback opposite of Hallman again.
DT Ben Barten
Barten was one of the few bright spots along the defensive line last season. While he won't generate a ton of pressure, he'll be a valuable asset on early downs in the run game. The Wisconsin staff did bring in a lot of competition for the underperforming unit however, so Barten will need to fight off some new transfers for a starting spot.