As fall camp breaks this week, eyes are turning to the football program. It's time to get the pads on and get ready for the season, and fans are going to be keenly interested in this year's roster. It's a pivotal year for Luke Fickell in what many are calling a "make-or-break" year. It's also a roster that is full of transfers and position battles. While a lot of attention is being made of the incoming players, and rightfully so, let's turn our focus in this article to players who were on the Badger roster last season who could break out next season.
1. Tyrell Henry - WR - Redshirt Senior
Henry came over to Wisconsin from Michigan State a couple of seasons ago, and many expected him to have a breakout campaign last season. However, thanks to quarterback injuries and a lackluster offense, he couldn't get going. This year could be big for him, and it needs to be, as it's his last season of eligibility.
2. Chris Brooks Jr. - WR - Redshirt Senior
In a similar fashion, Brooks also was handicapped by a rotating group of quarterbacks and an offense that loved to go 3-and-out. However, despite all that, he was one of the most productive wide receivers last season for Wisconsin. This could be an important year for Brooks as he's seen as the leader in that wide receiver room that's full of unproven talent and a very high ceiling.
3. Darrion Dupree - RB - Junior
Dupree is getting overshadowed by all the new running back additions. Abu Sama III is a big name and will be the primary workhorse, but you can expect Dupree to be the runner with the next most carries. He was the leading rusher for the Badgers last season and averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He's a former 4-star recruit going into his junior season.
4. Tyreese Fearbry - OLB - Redshirt Senior
Fearbry's most memorable moment last season was when he was penalized before the Iowa game even started. He came over from Kentucky with much anticipation, as he was part of an SEC rushing attack. However, he mostly was on special-teams duties. With his last season upcoming and plenty of tools in his toolbox, this needs to be the year he breaks out.
5. Sebastian Cheeks - OLB - Graduate
Last season, many predicted Cheeks would be one of the star edge rushers. And while he had a decent season, he was overshadowed by Mason Reiger and even true freshmen linebackers Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa. He had 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. This year, he needs to double that sack count (or more) and become the force many expected in 2025.
6. Cairo Skanes - S - Redshirt Sophomore
Skanes is an interesting player on this list because he was only a redshirt freshman last year and played cornerback. However, he's being moved to safety and won't be a starter yet; there's something about his skill package and versatility that makes you think he will get action and could be a player who finds his way onto the field consistently.
7. Kevin Heywood - OL - Redshirt Sophomore
Heywood may not be flying under the radar; many are expecting him to start. Yet, the incoming offensive linemen seem to be getting a bit more fanfare. Heywood will be important for the Badgers this season.
8. Jai'mier Scott - CB - Redshirt Freshman
Scott is a former 4-star recruit and redshirted last season in anticipation of this year. While he may be fighting for reps among many of the incoming players, don't sleep on Scott. He was a big-time recruit for Fickell only two seasons ago.
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