Wisconsin football landed at No. 16 of 18 Big Ten programs in ESPN’s latest offseason ranking.
Composed by ESPN college football writers Eli Lederman, Max Olson and Adam Rittenberg, the list for each Power 4 program followed the following criteria: Retention of key (non-draft-eligible) players, retention of key coaches or staff upgrades, and player additions, primarily through the transfer portal but also high school recruits.
Wisconsin entered the 2025 offseason following a disappointing 5-7 result in the second full season under head coach Luke Fickell. The team fell to Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Iowa and Penn State to finish the season, falling by at least 15 points in four of those five contests.
The Badgers lost several notable starters after the season’s conclusion, including quarterback Braedyn Locke, safety Hunter Wohler, running back Tawee Walker and wide receiver Will Pauling. To address those personnel concerns, UW turned to the winter and spring transfer portal windows.
In addition to significant roster movement, Wisconsin hired former Kansas Jayhawks offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes to take over for Phil Longo, who was fired after the team’s November loss to Oregon. As opposed to Longo’s air raid, Grimes brings a more traditional offensive approach to the program.
Lederman, Olson and Rittenberg shared their thoughts on Wisconsin’s new-look coaching situation.
“The Air Raid didn’t work in Madison, as many coaches predicted it wouldn’t, and new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is viewed as a return to Wisconsin’s roots. Grimes played and coached offensive line and will emphasize the power run in different ways. Coach Luke Fickell also shifted Kenny Guiton, the former Ohio State quarterback, from wide receivers coach to oversee the QBs.”
The portal brought Wisconsin notable projected starters, including quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (Maryland), outside linebacker Mason Reiger (Louisville) and defensive tackle Parker Petersen (Tulane), but the team’s offensive unit remains somewhat of a concern.
“Wisconsin made the necessary pivot on offense to Grimes and a more traditional scheme, but did the team bring in enough through the portal? Edwards could stabilize the quarterback situation, but the Badgers lost Walker, their leading rusher, to Cincinnati and Pauling, their top receiver, to Notre Dame. Wisconsin seemingly upgraded the tight end spot with Ball State’s Tanner Koziol, but he transferred out in the spring and the team scrambled to add Missouri State’s Lance Mafson. The Badgers’ limited portal approach on offense outside of wide receiver and quarterback could be costly. Wisconsin addressed its depth needs on defense, but not adding a transfer running back seemed odd.”
Still, Wisconsin reverting to its successful roots, coupled with an uptick in defensive prowess, are considered bright spots for a program searching for a return to prominence. The Badgers will look to play a complementary brand of football to secure wins this fall. Their offseason personnel additions make that possible, if the team can play mistake-free.
Lederman, Olson and Rittenberg shared what they believe ‘went right’ for Wisconsin this offseason:
“The Badgers correctly reset their offensive approach and Edwards has the talent to thrive in the right situation. Wisconsin also needed new bodies on defense after a season where it generated only 17 sacks and four interceptions. The team not only brought back linebacker Christian Alliegro, defensive backs Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman, and others, but added transfers like Reiger, cornerback Geimere Latimer II, outside linebacker Corey Parker and defensive linemen Perkins and Parker Petersen. The staff’s ability to develop defensive transfers mostly from Group of 5 or FCS programs could make a massive difference this fall.”
Several question marks still exist entering the 2025 campaign, as the team’s position in a crowded Big Ten remains to be seen. With a revamped roster and a shift in offensive philosophy, Fickell’s crew will aim to open the season with a statement against the Miami Redhawks on Aug. 28 at Camp Randall.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Where does Wisconsin football land in ESPN’s ranking of Big Ten offseasons?
Reporting by Mike Hall, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
