The Wisconsin Badgers defense could steal the show in 2026; it’s just a matter of executing.
In a recent interview with defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, the 52-year-old told WKOW’s Karl Winter two areas this team needs to improve in.
Coming off a year where Wisconsin only had five interceptions, it comes as no surprise that takeaways are one of Tressel’s main areas of focus.
Wisconsin needs to force more turnovers
The Badgers are “looking for as close to 2 takeaways per game, on average, as possible,” according to Tressel.
Remember, there wasn’t a single Badgers player last year who had more than two interceptions. Elsewhere, a trio of defensive players contributed to their four forced fumbles, but only one of those was recovered.
Can’t sleep on third down (specifically third and long)
Tressel’s other main area of focus is on third and long. Should Wisconsin get its opponent in a third-and-seven or longer situation, Tressel wants to see a stop rate of 75%.
If the Badgers deliver in these two areas, we should be looking at a great defense. If not, it could be more of the same from a year ago, though no one can directly blame this defense alone for their struggles these past few seasons.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator reveals two goals for 2026 season
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire | USA TODAY Network
