Breaking down the Wisconsin Badgers 2021 recruiting class by position

Senior defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk, junior linebacker Jack Sanborn and senior defensive back Caesar Williams each earned third-team honors.

UW's director of player personnel discusses recruiting during a pandemic, landing prospects who’d never set foot on campus, and the program bringing in it's highest-ranked class ever. 

Badgers' five-star recruit Nolan Rucci discusses what drew him to the Badgers, growing up surrounded by coaches, and playing with his brother Hayden again. 

Five University of Wisconsin football players were named to All-Big Ten Conference teams on Tuesday.

“I do believe that in many ways we are partners with (bowl games)," UW coach Paul Chryst said. "They help us and any way we can help them, I think that kind of falls under that’s the right thing to do.”

The support players normally get in person for signing ceremonies largely happened virtually on Wednesday.

UW adds a bevy of talented linebackers, high-ceiling playmakers and more on National Signing Day. 

Wisconsin's offense has converted just 15 of 50 third-down chances during the Badgers' three-game losing skid. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to break down the news surrounding the Badgers football and basketball programs.

Andy Greder, who covers University of Minnesota football for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and has been with the paper full-time since 2013, shares his thoughts about today's game between the University of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Junior inside linebacker Jack Sanborn is looking to help UW end a three-game skid with a win over Minnesota on Saturday. 

It took a gutty, full-team performance and an overtime period to get the job done but the Badgers bounced back from three consecutive losses to post a 20-17 win over visiting Minnesota on Saturday at Camp Randall.

A quick look at the Badgers' 20-17 OT victory over the Golden Gophers in the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe Saturday at Camp Randall.

Tom Oates grades the Badgers' performance in their 20-17 overtime victory over the Golden Gophers in the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe Saturday at Camp Randall.

Groshek was the only experienced tailback remaining on UW’s roster and he delivered big time, rushing for a career-high 154 yards and a touchdown in the Badgers’ 20-17 OT victory over the Golden Gophers.

Thanks to gritty veterans who refused to quit and a Minnesota defense that was several notches below what UW had seen recently, the Badgers kept the Axe, evened their record at 3-3 and assured that they wouldn't be embarrassed to accept a bowl invitation.

Chenal was involved at every level of the defense against the Gophers — rushing the passer, defending the run and dropping into coverage — as the Badgers pulled out a 20-17 victory in overtime. 

The University of Wisconsin football team will play Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Badgers' junior tight end Jake Ferguson and senior left tackle Cole Van Lanen made the Associated Press' all-conference team. 

Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst said he appreciated senior quarterback Jack Coan's leadership, but didn't get into specifics on why Coan chose to transfer. 

The Wisconsin football program has doubled the money it spends on recruiting in recent years, but still ranks last among public Power 5 programs. 

Badgers head coach Paul Chryst has been involved in nearly half of the program's bowl games as either a player, assistant or head coach. 

Leonhard says Wisconsin is "home" for him despite rumors linking him to head-coaching opportunities. 

UW redshirt freshman QB Graham Mertz is aiming for a strong finish to what has been an up-and-down season. 

Wake Forest averaged 75.4 offensive plays and 435.3 yards per game this season, both of which would’ve ranked second in the Big Ten Conference this year.

The Madison native has posted career highs in catches and yards the past two games.

Get the latest postgame updates after UW defeated Wake Forest 42-28 in the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Making the largest comeback in UW bowl history to win the Duke's Mayo Bowl pushes UW to its 19th consecutive winning season and gives Paul Chryst a 5-1 record in bowl games as the Badgers’ head coach. 

State Journal reporter Jim Polzin grades the UW football team's performance in its 42-28 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte.

A quick look at UW's 42-28 victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Football players discuss the challenge of deciding to stay in college for an extra year of eligibility or to move on. 

A former four-star recruit finishes his Wisconsin career with 127 carries, 522 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

The Madison native will come back to Wisconsin for another season instead of making the jump to the NFL. 

Jack Sanborn led the Badgers in tackles each of the past two seasons, and Faion Hicks led UW cornerbacks in tackles and pass breakups in 2020.

Inoke Breckterfield has been at UW since Paul Chryst took over as head coach in 2015.

After injuries derailed Kendric Pryor's senior year the wide receiver announced on Sunday that he will return to the Badgers for a sixth season.

Wisconsin Badgers football beat reporter Colten Bartholomew breaks down his voting process for the Heisman Trophy and the players he considered.

The Badgers are scheduled to face Notre Dame next season on Sept. 25 at Soldier Field in Chicago. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the news around the Badgers’ football and men’s basketball programs.

Rand announced "it was in his best interest" to step away due to injuries and their potential long-term impact. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the news around the Badgers’ men’s basketball and football teams.

Senior cornerback Caesar Williams announced Sunday night he was returning to the Badgers’ football program instead of making the jump to the NFL, which gives UW eight starters returning on defense.

Ross Kolodziej, a former UW defensive lineman, had been the program's strength and conditioning coach for six seasons under Paul Chryst. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin discuss the latest news around the Badgers football and men’s basketball programs.

New University of Wisconsin DL coach Ross Kolodziej discussed his position group, recruiting and more.

The former Badgers quarterback was on the UW staff for six seasons. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together on Zoom to break down the latest news around the Badgers’ men’s basketball and football programs.

Myles Burkett — a consensus three-star, dual-threat quarterback — held offers from a handful of Group of Five teams and UW was his lone Power Five offer to this point.

One of the Badgers' top playmakers will be back next season, but a veteran defender will not.

Could becoming an NFL defensive coordinator in his home state be the job that draws Jim Leonhard away from UW? 

Wednesday's signing day will likely be quiet for UW, which had 21 recruits sign with the program in December. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the news surrounding the Badgers’ football and men’s basketball programs.

The Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe against Minnesota moved back to Nov. 27, the last week of the regular season, among other schedule changes. 

“It was me choosing UW,” Jim Leonhard told the State Journal Saturday morning. “I want to stay at UW. I want to be at this level right now. Extremely flattered. Awesome opportunity. But it was not the right time for me to go back to the NFL.”

Snee has been in the Badgers' program for six seasons and has worked with UW coach Paul Chryst for eight years. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the Badgers' shooting issues, Jim Leonhard staying at UW and more. 

The move signals a split of duties between the new hire and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who had also coached defensive backs.

Paul Chryst will be coaching quarterbacks and calling plays this fall, a dual role he’s filled often in the past for UW.

Franklin prospect who models his game after Russell Wilson wants to be Wisconsin's Wilson 2.0. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to break down the latest news around the Badgers men’s basketball and football teams.

"If we're going to spend the time to plan for something, let's plan for bringing a ruckus back into Camp Randall and bringing our fan base back," deputy athletic director Chris McIntosh said.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew, Jim Polzin and Todd Milewski get together over Zoom to discuss Badgers’ men’s basketball and both hockey programs as they head toward tournament time.

Recruits' lack of tape and head-to-head competition, as well as program's recruiting tactics, have the Badgers a bit behind some Big Ten counterparts. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to break down the news surrounding Badgers men’s basketball and football.

“Honestly, a lot went into my decision. If I would have finished the season, I would have still left after my junior season,” Rachad Wildgoose told reporters Wednesday at UW’s Pro Day.

Former UW tackle Cole Van Lanen said he’s spoken with teams about playing guard or even center, positions where his wingspan isn’t as important and he can use his power and run-blocking ability.

Losing running backs coach John Settle continues an offseason of upheaval on the Badgers’ staff, which has lost three assistants since winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30.

Final details regarding the foundation’s scholarships are still being ironed out, but one will be for a student wanting to attend the University of Wisconsin.

After a medical issue forced him to sit out the 2020 season, safety Reggie Pearson is moving on from UW after 18 career games. 

Packages for all seven home games start at $378 per ticket and will be limited at first to donors and those who ordered 2020 season ticket packages but weren’t able to use them due to the pandemic. 

“(Jim Leonhard) painted me a really clear picture of what I'll be doing in his defense, what he saw for me,” Townsend said. “His career and what he's known for doing and developing players, that was a big deal to me.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew, Jim Polzin and Todd Milewski get together over Zoom to discuss the news around the Badgers men’s basketball and men’s and women’s hockey programs.

Badgers’ head coach Paul Chryst on Monday shared eagerness both for his new group of coaches and for returning to the practice field with his players.

Weight jumps and dips, new numbers and new COVID protocols: Here's what you need to know. 

"I love this group of kids and I want to continue to develop them. And with COVID being the way it was last year, I’d have felt a specific way about myself having left after that season," Leonhard said.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew, Todd Milewski and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom for a special episode dedicated to the impending retirement of University of Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez.

UW quarterbacks say Badgers head coach Paul Chryst's conversational approach is deepening their understanding of system. 

After a bicep tear ended his 2020 season early, UW senior defensive end Matt Henningsen is making his voice heard on and off the field.

Once it was over, Graham Mertz took time to reflect after his first college football season as a starter.

"For Wisconsin football and Wisconsin athletics in general, he's put the ‘W’ on the map.”

“Every time you get to your senior year, you kind of feel a responsibility that it’s kind of your time to take over the reins,” Logan Bruss said. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom and discuss Barry Alvarez’s retirement ceremony, the search for the Badgers’ next AD and UW’s spring football practices.

“Man, Witt’s a dog,” sophomore Nick Herbig said. “He doesn't always get his job done in the prettiest way, but he gets his job done. No matter what, he’s scrapping, clawing, he's fighting every rep."

“You want the ability for a lot of guys to get reps. And the first thing to go is the number of reps when you don't have (healthy players), or those guys that need the reps aren't practicing," UW coach Paul Chryst said.

“What I do is special, whether it's in the NFL or college or wherever, every day is a gift and every day is special," Badgers RB coach Gary Brown told reporters. 

At UW’s second open practice of the spring on Tuesday, a handful of young players showed promise and might be carving out paths to playing time.

Following a COVID-19 diagnosis, sophomore linebacker Maema Njongmeta's cardiac testing revealed an effusion. 

Making headway and earning reps at inside linebacker for the loaded Badgers is a difficult task, but sophomore Tatum Grass was able to do that last season despite being a redshirt freshman walk-on and still new to the position.

Improvements as a blocker and his first big play in college have junior tight end Jack Eschenbach ready for a breakout 2021 season. 

Chimere Dike showed big-play ability, tight ends were all over the field and Leo Chenal shined at the Badgers' ninth spring practice. 

Dean Engram and Alexander Smith have earned most of their playing time the past three seasons on special teams units.

“He told us that he wanted corners that played with a dog mentality. He just want dogs out there on the island," Badgers junior Alexander Smith said of  new cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat. 

The Badgers passing offense could be "explosive" if UW's top wide receivers can stay healthy this season. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom for a special episode of the show: UW senior cornerbacks Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams enter the Red Zone!

A look at how special teams coach Chris Haering will choose a starting kicker, plus new on the return units and long-snapper position. 

The offense lacked same crispness it has had in other practice sessions. 

"The age of football that we're in with all the spread, all the RPO, you can create some issues," Jim Leonhard said of using his safeties at different positions. 

At least two Wisconsin Badgers have been drafted each year since 1994. 

“I would say, in general, I hated the combine, the pro day, the draft, because I thought most of it was pretty silly,” Joe Thomas told the State Journal earlier this month.

Defenders and ball-carriers weren’t shy about laying a solid hit on a teammate during 11-on-11 portions of Tuesday's spring practice.

Who made the biggest impressions for the Badgers this spring? Who made the biggest leaps from last fall? What questions remain? State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew breaks it down.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom and discuss the news coming from Badgers football spring practices and basketball coaching rumors.

“The first thing when we got back that we talked about was just being a team again,” sophomore quarterback Graham Mertz said.

Loudermilk will have the opportunity to learn from new teammate Cameron Heyward, a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time pro bowler.

The Green Bay Packers brought a native son home on Saturday.

After not being able to finish his final college season, former UW defensive back Rachad Wildgoose starts his NFL career on a team with eyes on the Super Bowl.

NFL Draft weekend may not have gone as planned for some former Badger football players, but four are getting chances to make the league as undrafted free agents.

UW holds a 2-1 record all-time against Utah.

Isaiahh Loudermilk had a plan for how he wanted his NFL draft moment to happen.

Kickoff times are set against Penn State, Eastern Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois and Iowa.

A look at who's coming to Madison next weekend, how Badgers' coach Paul Chryst talks about NIL with players and a top recruit moving to the backfield. 

In each of the past two cycles, Khalif has helped UW post their highest-ranked recruiting classes in the internet era. 

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Mellusi gives UW an experienced option to pair with redshirt freshman Jalen Berger in the backfield.

So what happens now? Let’s take a look at what these moves mean for the Badgers.

The matchup, originally scheduled for last season, had to be moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The contracts of the top two assistant coaches are extended through 2023. 

JT Seagreaves has averaged more than 20 yards per catch each of the past two seasons for the Cheesemakers. 

Cade Yacamelli came to UW’s camp on June 3 and earned a scholarship offer after working through three positions.

Three-star cornerback A’Khoury Lyde announced he committed to the University of Wisconsin’s 2022 class after narrowing his list to UW, Duke and Pittsburgh.

UW’s “Forward” uniforms will make their debut when the Badgers play Notre Dame on Sept. 25 at Soldier Field.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder has long strides and shields defenders well at the point of the catch. 

With his size and strength, Neal likely fits best as a nose tackle in the Badgers’ 3-4 scheme.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back was previously committed to Oklahoma State, but retracted that commitment in late May.

Mertz will be a test case for how Badgers athletes can profit from NIL sponsorships and endorsements when they’re allowed later this week.

What really is name, image and likeness? How will the University of Wisconsin handle it? Those answers and more here.

Offensive tackle Joe Brunner is the top-ranked player in Wisconsin and among the top 10 nationally at his position. 

Another pass-catcher made his oral commitment to the University of Wisconsin football team Wednesday, adding to a busy month of recruiting for the program.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin welcome on Marquette sports law professor Matt Mitten to discuss the changes in college sports related to name, image and likeness.

Khalif received a pay raise of nearly 50% when he left the University of Wisconsin football program to join Michigan State’s.

UW athletic director Chris McIntosh says Badgers athletes will be educated on name, image and likeness opportunities, but they must stay informed on rules and stay within them. 

Brown, a defensive back from Johnston City, Illinois, picked Wisconsin over Illinois and Northwestern.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew, Todd Milewski and Abby Schnable get together on Zoom to talk about former Badger Cole Caufield in the Stanley Cup Finals, name, image and likeness rules, current Badger basketball player Jonathan Davis in the FIBA U19 World Cup and more.

After Whitefish Bay's Joe Brunner committed to UW, the Badgers have landed the top players in the state for the past six recruiting cycles. 

The game will feature the top team from each conference to not make the NCAA Division III playoffs. 

Coach Paul Chryst and three players are scheduled to address conference media members on Friday. 

A new year brings new questions for the conference, both in terms of procedures off the field and what could happen on it.

UW was the overwhelming choice to win its division in Cleveland.com's preseason poll. 

Jack Sanborn’s preseason award list continued to grow Thursday as he was named a Big Ten Conference’s preseason honoree.

Alvarez will work with the league on football matters including possible expansion of the league and the College Football Playoff. 

The conference is staying quiet on COVID protocols until collecting member schools' policies in August. 

UW coach Paul Chryst broke down the team's approach to vaccination this offseason on Friday at Big Ten football media days. 

Badgers players want chance to redeem themselves at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin give you their takeaways from Big Ten Media Days last week and then examine what the Badgers football team has at the quarterback, running back and fullback positions.

Mertz announced an exclusive deal with Panini America to sell signed memorabilia.

UW opens training camp Friday, ready to leave behind the struggles of last season.

Fans will get their first chance in over a year and a half to see the University of Wisconsin football and volleyball teams in person at a crossover event on campus later this month.

Toler played in two games last season and recorded an interception against Illinois. 

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to discuss the four players they’re most excited to see when Badgers football training camp opens and the break down the wide receiver and tight end positions.

The Wisconsin coach said it's "absolutely worth looking into" a larger college football playoff field, but there are some things he thinks decision-makers should keep in mind before making choice. 

The center improved chemistry with quarterback Graham Mertz while rehabbing from a knee injury.

The University of Wisconsin football team knows better than most the effects COVID-19 can have on a group of people.

News on the running back room, the punt returner spot, injuries and more. 

Limits on fully-padded practices and full-contact sessions draw mixed feelings from Wisconsin football. 

Dive into key metrics from Pro Football Focus that UW needs to improve this season. 

Barring an injury, there’s not going to be a quarterback competition this season for the University of Wisconsin football team.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together to talk Paul Chryst’s confidence in the Badgers, some thoughts on training camp, Top 25 polls, and break down UW’s offensive and defensive lines.

The former four-star recruit who played for powerhouse Clemson has stood out at running back during the first week of Wisconsin football's training camp.

Janesville product Keeanu Benton's role on the Badgers' defensive line is expanding as his play stands out in camp.

Badgers' veteran receivers stand out in practice and other observations from football training camp.

The Badgers offense line took some body blows Saturday, the first day of the UW football team practiced in full pads this fall.

Enthusiastic redshirt freshman Devin Chandler is making strides as a receiver and return specialist. 

The Badgers have been ranked in the preseason edition of the poll 30 times, the highest being No. 4 in 2018.

John Torchio’s play between spring practices and fall training camp has earned him a new nickname with one of his fellow Badgers safeties.

Fans will need to have masks on in certain areas at Badgers football games. 

Stiff competition for snaps during training camp should lead to a bounce-back fall for the Wisconsin outside linebackers.

The offense lands some counterpunches on the defense after a slow start to fall camp. 

UW had three games canceled due to the virus last season, including two stemming from a breakout in the program.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to discuss training camp’s ups and downs for the Badgers’ offense, some trends we’ve noticed and then break down the inside and outside linebackers.

The former Division III player has his eyes set on deeper punts and more consistency. 

Senior wide receiver Danny Davis didn’t practice with the University of Wisconsin football team Friday after suffering a head injury earlier this week.

"I think the rest of that group feeds off him," defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said of Henningsen.

Defensive backs making plays on the ball, a veteran defensive lineman adding to his repertoire and more notable items from Wisconsin's football practice.

Fans were allowed inside Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday for the first time in almost two years.

Whitefish Bay senior Joe Brunner showed why he’s a coveted Wisconsin Badgers football recruit.

Replacing two starters and altering the way they approached the game were focal points for the Wisconsin D-line throughout training camp. 

The Big Ten joins the rest of the Power Five conferences in instituting a forfeit policy regarding COVID-19 this season.

Junior Alexander Smith and sophomore Dean Engram have gone back and forth getting the most reps at No. 3 cornerback.

No. 12 UW wraps up training camp and turns focus to season opener against Penn State with a couple questions still lingering.

Former Wisconsin Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez was mentioned as a resource for all three leagues by Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren.

Quicker play-call system should give the offense a big advantage this football season.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin discuss the Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12’s alliance and what it means for the Badgers, break down the cornerbacks, safeties and specialists, and Big Ten picks are back!

Under first-year director Shaun Snee, UW players reached new heights in weight room and in speed drills. 

Chez Mellusi brings two seasons of experience at Clemson to the starting running back job at Wisconsin.

An injury likely helped Collin Larsh remain the Badgers' kicker.

Allen, a four-star recruit from Fond du Lac, likely will see more snaps on special teams than on offense as he learns more about the tailback position. 

How UW top two corners are preparing for Penn State's dynamic duo of receivers.

After struggling to generate chunk plays last season, new and returning skill players want to change that identity.