Three takeaways from Wisconsin football's Spring Showcase

Yahoo

21-04-2025

The Wisconsin Badgers hosted their 2025 Spring Showcase this past Saturday, giving fans a first glimpse at the 2025 team and how offseason transfer additions will fit into new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes' scheme. The event also provided head coach Luke Fickell an opportunity to showcase what he's been working on this offseason after an underwhelming 5-7 2024 campaign.
Wisconsin added key transfers at many positions of need, including at quarterback and along the defensive line. Those positions were under the spotlight on Saturday as the two spots that the Badgers needed to improve the most. At first glance, it seems as if the coaching staff landed some significant difference-makers in both groups.
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In addition to those who transferred in, the Spring Showcase was also a first glimpse at some of the program's young talent, including class of 2025 early enrollees. Several such players, both on offense and defense, have a chance to make an impact from day one.
For more, here are three primary takeaways from Wisconsin's Spring Showcase, plus what each means for the 2025 season:
1. More dynamic offensive play-calling from new OC Jeff Grimes
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes joined the Badgers this offseason, looking to help the program improve from one of its worst seasons offensively (and overall) in program history. His dynamic, more traditional Wisconsin-style offense was on display during Saturday's showcase with many creative play calls, including end-arounds, screen passes, and fullback dives.
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It's also clear that Jeff Grimes is a lot more comfortable calling plays with his offense under center, which was one of the biggest criticisms of former offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his air-raid offense. Grimes' play-calls also reminded many of the dynamic and unique plays that Paul Chryst employed during his time as Wisconsin offensive coordinator and head coach. However, Grimes' offense fits the modern Big Ten better than Chryst's did with more of an emphasis on passing and quarterback play.
2. Defense has made necessary improvements
Wisconsin struggled defensively last season. The unit's output had many fans frustrated, considering the program's reputation for holding their opponents to low-scoring outputs. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and head coach Luke Fickell mentioned throughout the offseason that they wanted to add size and depth along the defensive line, a position that in 2024 ranked 121st out of 134 FBS teams in run defense per Pro Football Focus. Improving that status was a key focus of the offseason. On Saturday, it was clear that the coaching staff's hard work has paid off so far. The new and improved Badgers defensive line looks a lot bigger, stronger, and agile than it did last season. Transfers Charles Perkins, Jay'viar Suggs, and Tyreese Fearbry have all impressed early on, while early enrollee Nick Clayton has already made a name for himself early during his short time in Madison.
As for the secondary, there were many concerns coming into the spring session that losing key pieces including Hunter Wohler and Xavier Lucas would hurt the defense significantly. So far, the defensive back room has slowly but surely improved, with players including Preston Zachman and Matt Jung making headlines during spring practices. During the spring showcase, both cornerbacks Jaimier Scott and Geimere Latimer put on a show with some nice broken-up and contested passes. The defensive line was clearly the bigger area of concern during the winter for the Wisconsin coaching staff, but seeing progress in the secondary is just as important.
3. Young players are coming into their own
Luke Fickell's best skill as a coach is his recruiting. That ability was one of the primary reasons for his success at Cincinnati and why he was Chris McIntosh's choice to succeed Paul Chryst. In his first two full recruiting cycles, Fickell and his staff landed back to back top 25 classes. Those young stars are finally seeing the field, emergences that have been exciting to watch.
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Wide receiver Eugene Hilton has made headlines as one of the most talented receivers on the team, while young defenders, including Clayton and Scott, have excelled during their time in spring practices. Plus, both linebacker Mason Posa and Jaylen Williams weren't able to enroll early like many of the players in the class. The fact that the young guns have played well with neither Posa nor Williams on campus bodes well for the program's future.
Overall, there is obviously still work to be done. The offense was shaky during a couple of drives on Saturday, plus there are several injuries at offensive line and receiver that the team needs to overcome. There is still a lot to be excited about with the 2025 team. The new scheme from Jeff Grimes, mixed with some improvements defensively, gives the Badgers a chance to have a better season than last year. Wisconsin's schedule is extremely difficult, but you never know what can happen in college football.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Spring Showcase takeaways