The Wisconsin Badgers begin fall camp this week as they prepare for the 2026 season. Figuring out the depth chart is a chore ahead of the season, especially with so many position groups in open competition. The original predicted depth chart we developed is posted here. Yet, immediately crowdsourced feedback from Wisconsin fans online, and there were a few consistent themes.
Emmett Bork as a backup TE pushing for a starting role
First, one name that came up over and over was redshirt-freshman Emmett Bork, a 6'6 tight end from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He came out of high school as a 3-star recruit and redshirted last year. Fans are really high on his ability and his opportunity to get onto the field this season. In the first depth chart, Bork is listed as "depth." Most fans want him to be a backup behind Jacob Harris and Grant Stec alongside Nizyi Davis and Ryan Schwendeman. This would push true freshman Jack Sievers down to "depth," which feels fair.
We can live with this adjustment.
Emmet Bork is not depth. He will get reps this year, and push for a starting role. The staff is high on him. Having sievers a true freshman over him is very questionable
— Cade Krohn (@CadeKrohn13) August 4, 2026
The EDGE (OLB) position generated a lot of strong opinions
The second most talked about position group in the feedback was the EDGE or sometimes listed as OLB. Right now, it's listed as:
Starter rotation: Jayden Loftin, Sebastian Cheeks, Justus Boone, Liam Danitz
Backups: Nicolas Clayton, Tyreese Fearbry, Michael Garner, Sam Lateju, Jaylen Williams
Depth: Ashton Fickell, Yahya Gaad, Evan Van Dyn Hoven, Will McDonald
The big pushback from the comment section, and rightfully so, is getting both Liam Danitz and Jayden Loftin out of the starter roles. A lot of love for Nicholas Clayton from the fans, and even a redemption year for Fearbry. Loftin and Danitz are both freaks and will surprise people this season, yet one is a D3 player, and the other is as raw as sushi on the West Coast. The flip that probably needs to happen, according to the feedback, is this:
Starter rotation: Nicolas Clayton, Sebastian Cheeks, Justus Boone, Tyreese Fearbry
Backups: Jayden Loftin, Liam Danitz, Michael Garner, Sam Lateju, Jaylen Williams
This is also a good change and probably more realistic than optimistic, like the first one. However, don't count out Loftin or Danitz. This will be Danitz's only year to play, and there will be times he makes a splash...or maybe that's hopeful optimism.
Bork will play
— Wisconsin Recruiting (@BuckyRecruiting) August 5, 2026
3rd corner spot is either Scott or Fletch
Jake Anderson will play a ton on DL
Boone, Fearbry, Cheeks, Clayton will be the 4 edge rotation (maybe we see Danitz or Garner?)
Think Raph Dunn was playing some slot so not sure if he’ll be listed as a safety anymore
Other thoughts from the Wisconsin fans
Shoutout to "Bucky Recruiting" for really adding some crisp thoughts to the discourse. Jai'mer Scott as the third corner is intriguing; the staff is really high on him. That defensive back room is wild to think about, and it will be open competition not just in fall camp but throughout the season. Bucky Recruiting isn't the only fan to bring up Scott as a potential starter. Truly something to pay attention to.
Raphael Dunn as a slot is also fascinating and something to watch for in camp. He's listed as a safety, but Mike Tressel isn't scared to move some of these players around. There's also the idea of Grant Dean getting some reps at safety, instead of as a "depth" piece.
There are also fans watching quarterback Ryan Hopkins to see if he can overtake Deuce Adams as the QB2.
All great thoughts, and we will see how it all irons out. After fall camp and before the first official depth chart is released, we will have more intel and can make another prediction. It's good to have football back...On Wisconsin!
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