Wisconsin football updated 2025 offense depth chart projection after Spring Showcase

USA Today

20-04-2025

Wisconsin football updated 2025 offense depth chart projection after Spring Showcase
Wisconsin football took the field at Camp Randall Stadium for its 2025 Spring Showcase on Saturday.
The open, full-scrimmage practice acts as the program's de facto spring game. It gave fans a comprehensive first look at the 2025 roster, plus a hint at what to expect on both sides of the football when the season kicks off.
A major underlying storyline persisted entering Saturday's event, as Wisconsin continues to address its roster needs in the spring transfer window. The Badgers have seen notable winter transfer additions Tanner Koziol and Mark Hamper transfer out, as well as veteran wide receiver Quincy Burroughs. Those departures, paired with a season-ending injury to starting left tackle Kevin Heywood, make this period critical to the team's chances this upcoming season.
So, with much still to change as transfer movement continues, here is an updated two-deep projection for the offensive side of the football after the program's Spring Showcase. The major headlines are at running back, where a veteran appears poised for a breakout, and left tackle, where Wisconsin needs an experienced transfer starter.
Quarterback
Starter: Billy Edwards Jr. (transfer)
Backup: Danny O'Neil (transfer)
Wisconsin is strong at quarterback after the winter transfer cycle. Billy Edwards could be a top-tier starting option, with O'Neil bringing a rare combination of experience (11 starts) and remaining eligibility (three years). True freshman Carter Smith also brings a ton of potential. Hopefully, O'Neil and Smith aren't mentioned as on-field factors until the 2025 season concludes.
Running Back
Starter: Cade Yacamelli
Backup: Darrion Dupree
Yacamelli was a spring showcase standout with Dupree sidelined. The redshirt junior made a 55-yard house call on an inside carry, providing the session's top highlight. Yacamelli took 33 carries for 274 yards (8.3 yards per carry) last season. That efficiency, combined with Saturday's scrimmage, points to a potential breakout.
Don't discount Dupree as a major factor. The rising sophomore has the potential to be the best player on the offensive unit, although he's only a sophomore and has yet to handle a full workload. Yacamelli as a 1A and Dupree as a 1B could provide the Badgers with an impressive rushing attack.
Wide Receiver (1)
Starter: Vinny Anthony
Backup: Chris Brooks Jr.
Nothing has changed at this position since the 2024 season concluded, other than projected top backup options Hamper and Burroughs transferring out. Anthony still projects as the team's top wide receiver, with Chris Brooks as an intriguing backup option.
Wide Receiver (2)
Starter: Jayden Ballard
Backup: Joseph Griffin Jr. OR Tyrell Henry
Ballard has reportedly been a spring standout after transferring in from Ohio State. Hamper's departure could signal where Ballard stands on the depth chart: the team's clear No. 2 option on the outside. 2024 transfer addition Joseph Griffin should also play a role in red-zone situations. While the position has clear starting options, it may need some added depth.
Wide Receiver (slot)
Starter: Trech Kekahuna
Backup: Kyan Berry-Johnson
Wisconsin's starting receiver trio of Anthony, Ballard and Kekahuna appears clear. Berry-Johnson could be a candidate for more snaps after seeing limited playing time as a true freshman last season.
Tight End
Starter: Tucker Ashcraft
Backup: J.T. Seagreaves
Tight end is a major position to watch after Koziol's departure. Ashcraft has been one of the position's primary contributors for the last few seasons, albeit in a Phil Longo offense that seldom utilized the position. The Badgers will likely look to add a transfer to start alongside the rising junior.
Right Tackle
Starter: Riley Mahlman
Backup: Barrett Nelson
From our updated offensive line depth chart after Heywood's injury:
Mahlman is set to anchor the right side of the Badgers' offensive line for the third consecutive season. He could be a candidate to flip to the left side, though that would be a risky move, given his proven ability and production in his current position. It goes without saying that the team cannot afford an injury in this position, given Heywood's status.
Right Guard
Starter: Kerry Kodanko
Backup: J.P. Benzschawel
From our updated offensive line depth chart after Heywood's injury:
Wisconsin's right guard position will be a fall camp battle to watch. J.P. Benzschawel was the projected starter through much of the offseason, though Kodanko has reportedly been earning significant reps in spring practice. Emerson Mandell also worked at this position, though he may move out to left tackle after Heywood's injury.
Center
Starter: Jake Renfro
Backup: Ryan Cory
From our updated offensive line depth chart after Heywood's injury:
Renfro returns after starting 12 games for the Badgers last season. The veteran also has a season of high-end experience at Cincinnati under Luke Fickell. While there are some questions across the line, the center position should be set.
Left Guard
Starter: Joe Brunner
Backup: Colin Cubberly
From our updated offensive line depth chart after Heywood's injury:
Brunner started all 12 games at left guard in 2024. While he battled minor injuries throughout the campaign, he was part of a starting offensive line unit that remained intact all season. Per UW Athletics, his 77.8 PFF pass-blocking grade was the third-highest among Big Ten guards. He projects as one of the team's best linemen entering 2025
Of note, Brunner spent some time at left tackle during the spring showcase. He remains a candidate to fill that vacancy.
Left Tackle
Starter: Leyton Nelson
Backup: Emerson Mandell
From our updated offensive line depth chart after Heywood's injury:
Nelson transferred in last offseason after two seasons at Vanderbilt, during which he appeared in 12 total games. He then missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury. The veteran was projected as a versatile depth piece on the 2025 line. Now, he has the inside track at starting
Of course, many of these positions are subject to change with spring transfer additions. Left tackle is the No. 1 storyline to watch during the period, then as fall camp approaches.
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