Wide receiver Vinny Anthony is Wisconsin’s one representative on The Athletic’s preseason All-Big Ten team.
The rising senior did not make the team as a wide receiver. Instead, he was the outlet’s second-team return specialist.
Anthony led the Badgers in receiving last season with 39 receptions, 672 yards and four touchdowns. The breakout campaign was a substantial improvement after his 10-catch, 99-yard output as a sophomore in 2023. Entering 2025, he’s set to pace Wisconsin’s receiving room as it adapts to Jeff Grimes’ pro-style offense.
But again, Anthony was not recognized for his production and role leading the Badgers’ wide receiver room. Wideouts on The Athletic’s All-Big Ten teams are Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (first), Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt (first), Washington’s Denzel Boston (first), Michigan State’s Nick Marsh (second), Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (second) and USC’s Makai Lemon (second).
Anthony has been a dependable kick return option for the Badgers over the last two seasons. He first claimed the role in 2023, taking 11 kick returns for 217 yards and nine punt returns for 85 yards. He followed that up with 14 kick returns for 390 yards and seven punt returns for 26 yards in 2024.
While the Wisconsin veteran has yet to break through and take a kickoff or punt to the house, he is proving to be one of the Big Ten’s better talents at the position. It’s reasonable to expect his big-play touchdown ability to translate from the offensive huddle to special teams.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: One Wisconsin Badger makes The Athletic’s preseason All-Big Ten team
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
