Wisconsin's next game against Penn State has a lot of intrigue. It's a litmus test for both teams, and each fanbase is looking at the other, wondering how Saturday will go. For Wisconsin, it's a question about whether Luke Fickell has actually improved the roster or not. For Penn State, it's a question of whether Matt Campbell can get things going in year one for the Nittany Lions.
As we prepare for the big opening conference game, there are a lot of things to consider and think about. One of those is the depth chart for the game. This week's 2-deep put out by Wisconsin athletics has three different curiosities.
The answer to all could simply be the weird thing that Wisconsin did at the beginning of the year, when the SID decided that they couldn't release a Week 1 depth chart unless there was a game. Which is a really strange thing to say, but now maybe this actually reflects the Eastern Michigan game instead of the Penn State game? Who knows? Here's a look at the depth chart:
The depth chart for The Penn State game. pic.twitter.com/AGd3asnAZ8
— Mark Stewart Ⓜ️ (@MarkStewartMJS) September 21, 2026
1. Ryan Hopkins is officially QB2
All season, the depth chart has had an "OR" listed by Ryan Hopkins and Deuce Adams as the backup quarterback. On this depth chart, the "OR" is now gone and Hopkins is sitting as the backup behind Colton Joseph. Though Deuce Adams is still on the depth chart listed underneath Hopkins on the "2nd Team." However, the dropping of the "OR" seems relevant.
We know from previous games that Hopkins was the first quarterback off the bench. So, maybe that decision was already made, but it now seems to be official.
2. No Abu Sama III or Malachi Coleman
Sama III and Coleman are both still listed as "injured." This is maybe the clearest indication that it's a depth chart reflected from Eastern Michigan rather than Penn State. Sama was a game-time decision and was actually fully dressed and could have played. You have to think that next week, he would be good to go against Penn State.
So, this may be a reflection of what was, not what could be or will be. That would be an annoying way to do a depth chart, but whatever.
3. Emerson Mandell is not a starting guard
Mandell is not listed as the starting right guard in this depth chart, but instead as the backup. This is notable, as he was considered the starting right guard coming out of fall camp. Now it appears he's lost his starting role to Stylz Blackmon.
Or, once again, is this simply a reflection of the Eastern Michigan game, where Mandell was still working his way back from injury? EMU was a bit of a soft launch for the banged-up guard. This could be the case, but it also could be that Mandell is now on the outside looking in at the starting lineup.
This is why all three are curiosities, but if Wisconsin is going to release it ahead of the Penn State game, all three seem to be of serious note.
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