Wisconsin expected to be 'much improved' on defense, per opposing coach

The Wisconsin Badgers had an okay season last year, finishing with a 7-6 overall record, including 5-4 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin ranked in the Top 40 in the country last year in total defense. And that’s pretty good, but not great. Heading into the 2024 campaign, one opposing coach believes the Badgers defense will be ‘much improved’. He made that prediction in the preseason preview this summer for Athlon Sports.

“The focus here is on offense. It was a hard sell for a program to embrace a system like Phil’s [offensive coordinator Phil Longo], and it ended up being a mismatch because of personnel. Are they going to make any big changes? I think there’s extra pressure here in Year 2 because they didn’t score points last season, and they got away from an identity that worked so well in this league,” an opposing Big Ten assistant coach said in the preview.

Quarterback Tanner Mordecai played well last year, but Miami signal-caller Tyler Van Dyke transferred this offseason and is expected to upgrade the passing attack a bit. Freakish running back Braelon Allen departed for the NFL and is now with the New York Jets, but Chez Mellusi is back for the Badgers’ backfield after suffering a serious leg injury early last season. Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker should get some touches in the backfield early on.

“Defensively, we expect them to be much improved. I’d say they’re on a timeline similar to what Luke [Fickell] did at Cincinnati. That’s not the side of the ball to worry about here. They need to put up points to get everyone on board with their new identity, it’s that simple,” the anonymous Big Ten assistant said.

While the Wisconsin defense wasn’t incredible, it was effective last year, allowing more than 24 points just twice last season. Plenty of talent returns, including leading tackler Hunter Wohler, who should dominate at safety. He earned preseason second team All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele.

Wisconsin corner Ricardo Hallman is coming off a massive year with seven interceptions. He earned preseason third team All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele this offseason. As far as the pass rush is concerned, William and Mary transfer John Pius should be an impact player. In 11 games with the Tribe last year, he racked up 53 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. He earned All-American honors last year and figures to be one of the best pass rushers for the Badgers.

Thomas Heiberger, a freshman linebacker from Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a name to watch who could make an instant impact this fall. He was rated as a four-star prospect in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He drew praise from Luke Fickell on National Signing Day as a player who could make an instant impact. Once you take a look at his measurables, it’s easy to see why. Heiberger posted a 39-inch vertical leap, to go along with a broad jump of 10 feet, 7 inches, and runs a 4.6-40-yard dash. It’s clear he’s oozing with athleticism.

Wisconsin will open up their 2024 campaign with the Western Michigan Broncos. The game is set for Friday, August 30th. That one will get underway at 9:00 PM EST on the Big Ten Network.