Badgers roster breakdown: Everything you need to know about every position on Wisconsin's football team

What it seems like from a far is three kids joining forces on the playground to stand up to a bully — in this case the SEC — with no specific plan on how to win that fight beyond strength in numbers.

Lee Sports Wisconsin columnist Jim Polzin answers readers' questions on a variety of topics.

There are three sets of siblings on the University of Wisconsin football team and it both helps and creates its own set of challenges for those who share the same last name.

Mertz spent the offseason looking inward — not just at his play and what he could do differently as a quarterback — but at what was missing in 2020 and why the old way of pushing himself wasn’t effective.

The Badgers are craving a Big Ten title with a College Football Playoff berth for dessert. Of course, it’s premature to talk about the latter as a menu option until Paul Chryst and UW somehow finally finish the main course.

Camp Randall’s gates are back open this year, and Wisconsin's Saturday debut against Big Ten foe Penn State is an experience fans and local businesses have been awaiting eagerly.

Amid a worker shortage, the Badgers are putting a focus on getting fans into Camp Randall in a timely manner for Saturday's first game of the season.

Freshman running back Loyal Crawford was dismissed from the University of Wisconsin football team and freshman running back Antwan Roberts was suspended, according to a release from the school.

Lee Sports Wisconsin columnist Jim Polzin takes questions from readers in his weekly mailbag.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down the Loyal Crawford situation, preview No. 12 Wisconsin's game against No. 19 Penn State, and pick Big Ten games.

"This is going to be one of the deeper teams we have, which gives us the chance to be as successful as this team can possibly be, and that's all we can ask from each team each year,'' Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said.

While many of the changes Badgers fans will see were inevitable as new technologies move into the in-stadium experience, the pandemic advanced the timeline for UW.

“I think when you come here, you acknowledge the past great linebackers that have been here and you want to continue that legacy,” Sanborn said. “We do look at ourselves as one of the Linebacker U kind of schools.”

Wisconsin cornerback is a respected voice inside the locker room and will have one of the toughest jobs on the field Saturday against Penn State. 

A phone number mix-up prevented Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst from hearing from freshman tailback Loyal Crawford, who was dismissed from the team Tuesday. 

Whether you are heading down to Camp Randall or watching from the comfort of your couch, the State Journal has Badgers fans covered with a breakdown of everything they need to know as No. 12 Wisconsin kicks off football season against No. 19 Penn State on Saturday.

Get the latest postgame updates from the Wisconsin State Journal after the 12th-ranked Badgers fell to the 19th-ranked Nittany Lions 16-10 on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.

Senior inside linebacker Mike Maskalunas or sophomore Tatum Grass is expected to start in Chenal's place Saturday against Penn State.

Colten Bartholomew, the State Journal’s Wisconsin Badgers football beat reporter, shares three observations from the first half of Saturday’s game against Penn State.

Four throws accounted for more than half of the No. 19 Nittany Lions' offense in Saturday's win over No. 12 Wisconsin.

A recap of the top plays, top performers and key takeaways from Wisconsin's 16-10 loss to Penn State. 

Columnist Jim Polzin offers his initial thoughts on the Wisconsin Badgers' loss to Penn State in their Big Ten opener.

UW's senior tackles looked rusty, sophomore linebacker Nick Herbig shined and more takeaways from Wisconsin's home loss to the Nittany Lions. 

Wisconsin's leading rusher from 2020 didn't play a snap in a loss to the Nittany Lions. 

Wisconsin's offensive line is out for redemption this week after a slow start against Penn State. 

Wisconsin's loss to Penn State caused it to fall in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down what’s up with Graham Mertz, the impact of Leo Chenal’s COVID-19 case, how we see the Badgers matchup with Eastern Michigan, and make Big Ten picks.

According to Bryant, UW's offer was rescinded in 2017 after Georgia tried to change the quarterback's mind.

The Badgers defense needs a strong pass rush. Here's a look at how they did it in the opener.

Chryst was an assistant for the San Diego Chargers during the terrorist attacks 20 years ago. 

Mike Maskalunas walked on to the Badgers football team. It's been a long road to his second consecutive start Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

Whether you are heading down to Camp Randall or watching from the comfort of your couch, the State Journal has Badgers fans covered with a breakdown of everything they need to know as No. 18 Wisconsin tries to get back on track against Eastern Michigan on Saturday night.

Wisconsin leads Eastern Michigan 24-0 at halftime. Here’s what stood out in the first half. 

The UW defense allowed only 92 yards and forced a turnover in a win over Eastern Michigan. Even against a weak opponent, that’s encouraging.

It wasn’t a perfect performance for Wisconsin, but the Badgers got the victory and now have a week off to prepare to face the Fighting Irish.

The Badgers set out to prove the offensive line could dominate a game. Mission accomplished.

Thoughts on Graham Mertz's performance, an unsung defensive hero, and a possible change being needed along the offensive line.

The 34-7 win over the Eagles didn't impact the Badgers' place in the AP Top 25.

From missing on third-and-short opportunities and not using pre-snap motion, No. 18 UW's offense has a lot to examine before taking on No. 10 Notre Dame. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together on Zoom to break down the Badgers, Big Ten connections to the USC coaching job and make Big Ten picks.

Milwaukee native Ralph Kurek fondly recalls scoring the winning touchdown in the closing minutes of the Badgers' last win over Notre Dame in football, which came in 1963.

In an appearance on Jim Rome's radio show Thursday, Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst said playing against Notre Dame's Jack Coan, a former UW quarterback, will be different. 

Though the Badgers are technically the home team next weekend against the Fighting Irish, GameDay hasn’t visited Madison since 2017.

The three-star running back was suspended on Aug. 31 by Badgers coach Paul Chryst after an altercation with a teammate in a residence hall. 

Wisconsin kept its spot in the AP poll after its idle week. 

The Badgers will be looking for their third consecutive win over the Wolverines with the previous two coming at a combined score of 84-25.

Wisconsin players and coaches refuse to buy into the hype of QB Jack Coan playing against his former team. They insist "it's Wisconsin versus Notre Dame."

Irish star defender Kyle Hamilton plays all over the field and has the potential to create massive headaches for the Badgers offense this weekend.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together to break down the Badgers’ marquee matchup with Notre Dame.

After a slow start to the year, UW quarterback Graham Mertz "wants to start dealin'" this week against the No. 12 Irish. 

Wisconsin's defense under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has been elite at taking away opponents' easy passes. Here's why it will be crucial this week.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said that coming off a bye, his team should be healthy for its marquee matchup against Notre Dame. 

Wisconsin's former athletic director discussed the Badgers finally playing Notre Dame in football, expanding the College Football Playoff, UW keeping Jim Leonhard, and how he's still not over losing to Duke in the 2015 NCAA tournament. 

Analysis of UW's use of motion, linebackers in pass coverage and a poor effort by a Badger star not named Graham Mertz. 

For the first time this season, the University of Wisconsin football team isn’t ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

UW's junior ILB said he still doesn't feel 100% after contracting the virus, but he's going to play his hardest as long as he's on the field. 

Mistakes fielding punts and on kickoff coverage cost the Badgers dearly against Notre Dame. 

Wisconsin offensive linemen discuss what they need to change and their thoughts on the rotation occurring at their position after a poor performance against Notre Dame.

Paul Chryst was presented with a number of options to explain the struggles of quarterback Graham Mertz.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin take a 30,000-foot view of the Badgers offense and if their style is tenable long-term, what’s wrong with UW’s offensive line, and how the defense has a tough test against Michigan’s offensive line. They wrap up by making Big Ten picks.

Badgers defensive end Matt Henningsen is a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy, an award given to college football’s premier scholar-athlete.

The University of Wisconsin football team got its first look at what its top linebacker group can do last week against Notre Dame.

UW's veteran leaders such as sixth-year senior Kendric Pryor are using their past experience to guide the Badgers during a slow start offensively.

Follow State Journal coverage after the Badgers fall to the 14th-ranked Wolverines 38-17 at Camp Randall.

The announcement for the field name is expected to come Saturday and the name change will officially take place in 2022.

Fans were at their wit’s end early in the second quarter, raining boos on the offense after it started the game with four consecutive three-and-outs. Then things changed.

The Badgers dropped their eighth consecutive game to a ranked opponent with a 38-17 loss to Michigan at Camp Randall.

UW's redshirt sophomore quarterback was taken to a local hospital after a sack in the third quarter. 

Offensive line issues, Chase Wolf's throwing motion and running backs' effort in pass protection all caught Wisconsin football beat reporter Colten Bartholomew's eye against Michigan. 

Wisconsin could be without its top quarterback and tight end against the Illini.

Badgers QB Graham Mertz says he'll do everything he can to play this week after taking a hit to the chest and ribs against Michigan. 

Wisconsin football's upperclassmen are trying to avoid division in the locker room, something they saw a season ago. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together to discuss how the Badgers can salvage their football season, the state of the offensive line, preview the matchup with Illinois and give out Big Ten picks.

Two current Badgers football players have apologized to former players for their poor start to the season. Alumni say there's no need for that.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said QB Graham Mertz and TE Jake Ferguson practiced throughout the week in advance of the Badgers' matchup against Illinois. 

He is loud with his voice and his play on the football field, but he keeps to himself away from it.

Jalen Berger, a four-star recruit out of Newark, N.J. who was one of the top recruits in UW's 2020 class, is the third running back to leave the team this season. Here's what we know. 

UW has won the past 14 meetings with Purdue, but both the 2017 (17-9) and 2018 (47-44, 3OT) matchups came down to the wire.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst did not offer details on Jalen Berger's dismissal, but multiple sources said Berger missed meetings and workouts before being removed from the team.

Wisconsin's nation-leading rushing defense will have its hands full with the Black Knights' triple-option rushing attack that ranks second in the country.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down the Badgers’ dismissal of Jalen Berger, the matchup with Army and more.

Junior tailback Chez Mellusi bet on himself when he decided to transfer from Clemson to Wisconsin, and he's been a needed voice in a diminishing running backs room. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down if the Badgers are truly in the Big Ten West race, what tweaks the offense needs, Devin Chandler, the Purdue matchup and more.

Thoughts on Logan Bruss' return at right tackle, the interior offensive line play for the Badgers and some credit for a clutch special teams performer. 

UW is 3-0 against Rutgers and will be playing its first game in Piscataway since 2014. 

Kayden Lyles hadn't played in the past two Badgers games after Joe Tippmann beat him out for the center position in training camp.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down the Badgers' matchup with No. 9 Iowa, what Kayden Lyles' transfer means for the program and make Big Ten picks. 

As part of the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete class, Henningsen earns an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship that could become $25,000 if he's chosen as the William V. Campbell Trophy winner.

Quan Easterling, who appeared in two games as a Badgers fullback, plans to transfer from the Badgers.

His playing time this season has been reduced, with Pro Football Focus crediting him with 32 total defensive snaps and none since the Illinois game on Oct. 9.

Praise for a player developing a deeper skillset, a position group improving a weakness and the coaching staff mixing things up are included in this week's observations. 

UW players had a range of opinions on their teammates leaving during the season, but their focus remains on the team still intact. 

The UW running game got a significant boost when senior right tackle Logan Bruss returned from injury. Here's why he's so important to the Badgers' offense.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down Badgers’ players and coaches’ thoughts on the rash of transfers, discuss the Rutgers matchup and make Big Ten picks.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down Badgers’ players and coaches’ thoughts on the rash of transfers, discuss the Rutgers matchup and make Big Ten picks.

UW hadn’t been ranked in the CFP poll since the end of the 2019 season, when it was ranked eighth. 

Former UW return specialist Aron Cruickshank has found an increased role on offense since transferring to Rutgers.

Badgers sophomore linebacker Nick Herbig has six sacks this season, a testament to his fiery competitiveness and offseason work with his brother and other NFL players at "The Bro Barn."

UW safety Collin Wilder's impromptu turnover prop became a merchandise hit this week after he signed a pair of name, image and likeness deals. 

Left guard Josh Seltzner played six days after his arrest before missing the team’s next game without explanation.

A rewatch of the game revealed a passing concept that fans should keep an eye on, a weakness of a veteran player and a glimpse into the future of the program in the fourth quarter. 

The UW football team found itself back in the Associated Press Top 25 poll on Sunday after not being included since Sept. 26.

Junior running back Chez Mellusi was injured in the Badgers' 52-3 win at Rutgers, but the Badgers are waiting to see how severe that injury is. 

Freshman tailback Braelon Allen already has a significant role for the offense, but roommate Hunter Wohler is starting to push for more playing time on defense. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin discuss how the Badgers should handle the RB spot after Chez Mellusi's injury, the Northwestern matchup, and make Big Ten picks.

The University of Wisconsin football team got a bump in its College Football Playoff ranking after blowing out Rutgers last week.

A look at the Wildcats’ wide receivers, rushing defense issues and three other things to know about Northwestern football before it meets the Badgers on Saturday.

Former UW captain and All-Big Ten linebacker Chris Orr is finding ways to cultivate leaders in the program as the director of player development. 

Wisconsin football's leading rusher is out for the rest of the season after injuring his left leg at Rutgers. 

Improved technique at the line of scrimmage is getting Wisconsin receiver Danny Davis open on Saturdays and knowledge it's his last season is giving him confidence off the field.

What was wrong on the first defensive possession, Leo Chenal's only weakness and Graham Mertz's accuracy all made the list of observations. 

UW was still behind Iowa, which it defeated 27-7 three weeks ago. 

A look at the Badgers' third winning streak of six or more games under coach Paul Chryst, the false starts from Saturday and more. 

Wisconsin football players and coaches aren't looking past Nebraska this week, but that doesn't mean we can't make some bowl projections. Here are the most likely destinations for the Badgers.

Harrell didn’t play this season before being ruled out for the year with a left leg injury.

A blowout of Northwestern and losses above it helped the University of Wisconsin football team’s standing in the College Football Playoff poll.

More than 20,000 Wisconsin football tickets went unscanned last week, and several factors are expected to lead to a smaller crowd this week against Nebraska. 

Midseason staffing changes, the loss of a key linebacker and three other things to know about Nebraska before Wisconsin’s final home game.

After overcoming a rare disease in his childhood, Caesar Williams has enjoyed every second of his six-year Wisconsin football career. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin break down the Badgers' matchup with Nebraska, share their thoughts on the best moments of UW's six super seniors' careers, and make Big Ten picks.

Discussed in this week's review: The Badgers' offensive line is adding more variety to its scheme, the outside linebackers did their jobs without making a lot of noise and no, Jim Leonhard's defense was not exposed.

Wisconsin heads to Minneapolis this week to play Minnesota in the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe with a chance to secure the Big Ten West title.

UW has never had a player win the Butkus Award, given to the nation's best linebacker, but junior Leo Chenal is among the six finalists for this season's trophy. 

Joe Tippmann, a redshirt sophomore for the Badgers, is rated the No. 3 center in the country by PFF. 

Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has a knack for identifying small tendencies that he can exploit. His ability to break down them for his players has led to some special performances. Here's a look at how he does it.

Badgers freshman running back Braelon Allen already has a plan for what he wants to do with his brand, a deal with Iron Joc sportswear and a UW alum for an agent. 

Aidan Vaughan has been a late-riser on the recruiting trail, with all of his Power Five offers coming since October, but he has potential to be an inside or outside linebacker for the Badgers.

Whether it's speaking to the Badgers in the hotel the night before games or beating opponents' double teams, Jake Ferguson is becoming a more complete leader and player. 

Reasons for the Badgers' poor rushing attack, special teams issues and accuracy struggles from Graham Mertz are included in this week's rewatch of the Badgers. 

The Badgers end the regular season unranked after losing at Minnesota.

River Valley linebacker Zach Gloudeman accepted a preferred walk-on offer from the Badgers over FCS scholarship offers.

Schrauth is a four-star recruit who has been leaning toward Notre Dame since visits this summer. He announced his decision to pass on the Badgers and instead play for the Fighting Irish.

The Big Ten will release an updated version of the 2022 football schedule to adjust home dates in series that were affected by the COVID-adjusted 2020 season.