Transforming Wisconsin's Defense with Transfer Gains
Defensive Line (1)
The defensive line has seen a major boost with the additions of Parker Petersen (transfer), Charles Perkins (transfer), and Corey Walker. Petersen was a standout starter for Tulane in 2024, racking up 21 tackles (14 solo), five tackles for loss, and 2 1/2 sacks. He was highly regarded among the American Athletic Conference players at his position. Perkins, on the other hand, joins the Badgers with several years of eligibility remaining after two productive seasons at UT-Martin. He and Brandon Lane are expected to see significant playing time.
During a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Sept. 14, 2024, Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Deion Burks (6) was brought down by Tulane Green Wave defensive back Lu Tillery (10) and Tulane Green Wave defensive end Parker Petersen (98). This showcases Petersen's defensive prowess.
Defensive Line (2)
Corey Walker, like Petersen, joins the Badgers with proven production at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. In two years as a starter at Western Michigan, he amassed 70 tackles (39 solo), 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, nine pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Ben Barten also returns for a final collegiate season after being a key part of the team's rotation in 2024. The Badgers have a top group of five-to-six players at this position who will all contribute significantly.
On Sept. 7, 2024, during a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium, Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) ran for a touchdown against Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93). This gives an idea of Walker's impact on the field.
Outside Linebacker (1)
Wisconsin has two key returning veterans at outside linebacker in Darryl Peterson and Aaron Witt. They also have promising prospects like redshirt freshman Thomas Heiberger. This position is expected to be fluid throughout the season, with Peterson and Witt starting due to their experience.
On Aug. 30, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos, Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) showcased his skills. This highlights his importance to the team.
Outside Linebacker (2)
Mason Reiger was Wisconsin's first transfer addition of the offseason. He missed the 2024 season due to an injury but was a big factor in 2023, recording 22 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He is a likely starter at this position. Sebastian Cheeks was arguably Wisconsin's most impressive pass-rusher in the back half of the 2024 season and will be hard to keep off the field on passing downs.
During a game on Oct. 7, 2023, at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Mason Reiger (95) reacted after sacking Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman (10). This demonstrates Reiger's ability to make plays.
Inside Linebacker (1)
Christian Alliegro is Wisconsin's major returning starter at this position. Next to him, the room is relatively inexperienced. The Badgers recently added Antarron Turner from Western Carolina, but it's hard to predict him as a 2025 starter after only one year at the Football Championship Subdivision level. This is an area where the team should still look for a proven veteran.
On Sept. 7, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium during a game against the South Dakota Coyotes, Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrated with linebacker Darryl Peterson (17). This shows the team spirit among the linebackers.
Inside Linebacker (2)
The starter at this position is yet to be determined (TBD). Tackett Curtis is the current primary option after playing extended snaps last season in relief of starters Jake Chaney and Jaheim Thomas. He brings a high recruiting profile and top-end potential, but didn't seem ready to start in 2024.
During a game on Oct. 5, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talked to players. This gives an insight into the team's coaching and player dynamics.
Cornerback (1)
As of now, Ricardo Hallman seems likely to return to the Badgers for a final collegiate season. He has yet to make an official announcement, but his absence from Wisconsin's senior day indicated a possible return. Cornerback is a major position of need behind the two starters, as the program lost most of the depth to the transfer portal in a short period. The limited backup options include redshirt freshmen Jay Harper and Omilio Agard, who have limited college experience.
On Aug. 30, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos, Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) was in action. This showcases his role on the team.
Cornerback (2)
Xavier Lucas is another write-in starter at cornerback after emerging as a true freshman in 2024. The Badgers badly need quality depth at this position, and Harper, Agard, and a group of true freshmen are the only options available.
Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) was shown during a game against South Dakota on Sept. 7, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium. This highlights his presence on the team.
Cornerback (nickel)
Austin Brown is likely to start at nickel cornerback/safety after winning the job in 2024. There is little depth behind him at this position. Owen Arnett, a former walk-on, is the current best option.
During a game on Aug. 30, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin Badgers safety Austin Brown (9) celebrated after recovering a fumble. This shows his impact on the defense.
Strong Safety
Matthew Traynor (transfer) is one of Wisconsin's biggest transfer additions. He transferred after a breakout redshirt freshman season at Richmond, where he recorded 61 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass deflections. He is projected to be a three-year starter at this position, filling the void left by Hunter Wohler (NFL draft).
On Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium during a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell coached. This gives an idea of the coaching staff's influence on the defense.
Free Safety
Preston Zachman's return is significant for the Badgers' defense. He had a strong 2024 season with 58 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass deflections. Wisconsin still needs depth at safety, with a redshirt freshman in Dunn being the only other returning player. True freshmen Moss, Grant Dean, and Luke Emmerich are the next in line.
On Sept. 28, 2024, at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) intercepted a pass. This showcases his defensive skills.
Specialists
The kicker is Nathanial Vakos, the punter is Atticus Bertrams, the long snapper is Eli Stein (transfer), and the punt returner is Trech Kekahuna, while the kick returner is Vinny Anthony. There are no significant changes to the specialist group in 2025. Eli Stein transfers in from Arkansas to take over the long-snapping duties from Cayson Pfeiffer. Both the punt and kick return positions will be up for grabs as spring ball begins.
On Aug. 30, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium during a game against the Western Michigan Broncos, Wisconsin Badgers kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) attempted a field goal. This shows his role in the team.
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