What’s a great defense without a great defensive line? The answer is that a “great defense” more than likely doesn’t exist. In the case of the Wisconsin Badgers, the D-line has been shaky, but when it’s on, it’s on.
From guys filling in at different spots and mixing and matching player arrangements to even having linebackers slot in on pass-rushing downs, Luke Fickell has gotten creative with how he has gone about maximizing this unit. That said, things haven’t been perfect, and outside of one man, there hasn’t been another consistent contributor on the team.
So what’s the grade? B-
The strength of this unit thus far has undoubtedly been the run defense. The Badgers have allowed just 3.17 yards per carry and only three touchdowns on the ground, putting them well within the top half of the country in that regard.
Nolan Vils and Charles Perkins have done most of that dirty work, doing a good job of plugging gaps and owning the middle of the field. Fickell has been very liberal with his rotations on the inside as well, working to put the best group out there to benefit the personnel in a given lineup.
The pass rush, however — well, that’s been a one-man wrecking crew. That one man, of course, is Sebastian Cheeks, who leads the team in pressures (27), sacks (2.5), tackles for loss (2.5) and forced fumbles (2). Noticing a trend here?
Cheeks hasn’t just been the best pass rusher on this team; he’s been one of the best pass rushers in the entire country. Cheeks currently sits first in the power four in pressures, per PFF. He has been pretty much the only guy who is capable of consistently winning off the edge, despite not being the largest human being for the position.
Leaders in Quarterback Pressures This Season💪 pic.twitter.com/3c11fYiExJ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 8, 2026
Outside of him, guys like Tyreese Fearbry, Nick Clayton and Hammond Russell IV have all been good in spurts, but far from consistent. Similar to how the boys up front are rotated, Fickell hasn’t been shy about working different combinations of edge rushers in as well, trying to get as much value as possible out of the unit.
That said, the unit needs some work. As the schedule ramps up, it can’t just be Cheeks as the only consistent threat, as teams will start sending more help to whichever side he is on. Odds are he can still produce, but his production will become less consistent over time, forcing others to step up and make their mark.
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