Luke Fickell and Wisconsin football released their availability report a couple of hours before game time against Middle Tennessee, and there was a surprise on there with Jake Renfro listed as OUT. This is not good news for the star center, who's been banged up all fall camp. Renfro was able to play the last game, but it appears he still needs time to recover.
#Badgers center Jake Renfro is among the players listed as OUT for Wisconsin's Week 2 game against Middle Tennessee: pic.twitter.com/WSy2Oq39Dt
— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) September 6, 2025
Wisconsin's depth at center is now remarkably thin without Renfro
Related: Wisconsin vs. Middle Tennessee final odds and predictions
Jake Renfro being out means that either Luke Fickell is using the weak opponent as an opportunity to get Renfro fully healthy, OR that Renfro reaggravated his fall camp injury during the week. It's hard to know what is happening there without more clarity from Wisconsin; regardless, that puts Wisconsin in a tough spot for depth along the line.
The only player on the Wisconsin 2-deep depth chart listed behind Renfro at center is redshirt freshman Ryan Cory, though don't be surprised to see Kerry Kodanko there against Middle Tennessee. The position is extremely thin, and there may even be some mixed in freshmen to see what chops they have against the Blue Raiders.
Luke Fickell mentioned earlier this week that he would make some adjustments along the line, as it was one of the weakest groups against Miami (OH) last week. However, most assumed it would be with Davis Heinzen, the transfer left tackle, who looked lost. Now there is going to be even more shuffling without much depth behind.
The game should get out of hand for Wisconsin, as Middle Tennessee is listed as the worst team in FBS right now. Sure, they are still an FBS team, but the Blue Raiders lost to an FCS team in week one. The Badgers need to take advantage and then see what's on their depth chart, especially on the offensive line.