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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: NCAA penalizes Wisconsin football for recruiting violations
Report: NCAA penalizes Wisconsin football for recruiting violations The NCAA is penalizing Wisconsin football for recruiting infractions that occurred during the spring of 2023. BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew was the first to report the news. Bartholomew writes that "nine members of Luke Fickell's staff violated a since-changed NCAA rule by making phone calls to recruits before the recruiting calendar allowed them to be made." Notably, that rule changed in August 2023, just months after the reported violations. Among those specifically penalized are Fickell, outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, former defensive line coach Greg Scruggs and former recruiting lead Max Stienecker. The infraction is a Level II violation. Both Scruggs and Stienecker received one-year show-cause orders, while Fickell and Mitchell will not be permitted to contact high school recruits from June 15-21. For more specifics on the violations and their fallout, here is Bartholomew's full report. Notably, neither of the two staffers who received show causes still works for Wisconsin. Scruggs left the program after the 2023 campaign for the same title at Big Ten rival Michigan, though he resigned just months into the job after an OWI arrest. He is now an assistant defensive line coach with the San Francisco 49ers. Stienecker, meanwhile, left Wisconsin in February to become USC's general manager. He and his recruiting staff currently have the Trojans atop the class of 2026 national rankings with 28 total commits, 18 blue-chip players and one five-star. Wisconsin finished the 2024 recruiting cycle, the one that included the reported infractions, with arguably the best class in program history. Among the program's 22 signees, 11 were blue-chip players. Four-star recruits offensive tackle Kevin Heywood, defensive lineman Ernest Willor Jr., running back Dilin Jones and defensive lineman Dillan Johnson headline a group that finished ranked No. 25 nationally and No. 7 in the Big Ten Conference. The 2025 season should see a significant portion of that class enter the team's two-deep depth chart. Running backs Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree, offensive lineman Emerson Mandell, wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson, defensive lineman Dillan Johnson and linebacker Thomas Heiberger should all see the field. Heywood was also in line to start for the team at left tackle, though he is projected to miss the season after an ACL injury. Furthermore, cornerback Xavier Lucas already excelled as a true freshman in 2024, though he transferred to Miami in the offseason. The Badgers' class of 2026, which has yet to see a blue-chip player added, currently ranks No. 40 nationally. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin projected offensive line depth chart after Kevin Heywood's season-ending injury
Wisconsin projected offensive line depth chart after Kevin Heywood's season-ending injury News broke on Tuesday that Wisconsin football will be without projected starting left tackle Kevin Heywood for the 2025 season. Coach Luke Fickell relayed news of the severity of Heywood's injury while meeting the media after his team's spring practice session. BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew then later confirmed that the standout sophomore tore his ACL in his left knee. The update is a major blow to Wisconsin's chances in 2025. Heywood was the team's clear starting left tackle despite not having starting experience at the college level. The former top-50 recruit made the Badgers' two-deep last season as only a true freshman. Although starter Jack Nelson did not miss a game during that campaign, Heywood appeared ready to see the field immediately upon joining the program. Wisconsin, like many programs across the country, doesn't boast significant depth at tackle. It's challenging to build that depth in today's era of constant transfer movement. The team does have several candidates to capture the starting left tackle role, though none present the upside or dependability that Heywood does as only a sophomore. For more on those options and on how the team may line up, here is an updated look at Wisconsin's offensive line two-deep after Heywood's injury: Right Tackle: Riley Mahlman 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. (Backup: Barrett Nelson) Right Guard: Kerry Kodanko 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. (Backup: J.P. Benzschawel) Center: Jake Renfro 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. (Backup: Ryan Cory) Left Guard: Joe Brunner 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. (Backup: Colin Cubberly) Left Tackle: Leyton Nelson 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. (Backup: Emerson Mandell) Top Left Tackle Candidates/Options Leyton Nelson Transfer (TBD) Emerson Mandell Joe Brunner (move from left guard) Riley Mahlman (move from right tackle) As things stand on April 15, Nelson has the inside track at the starting job. The veteran was projected as the team's backup swing tackle, meaning he's at least good enough to see the field. A high-profile transfer addition would obviously change the current plan and may be the team's best option. Notable long-shot ideas that Wisconsin may try in spring practice are flipping Mahlman to the opposite side of the line, although that would both jeopardize his success and create a big need at right tackle, or pushing left guard Joe Brunner to tackle. The latter could work, as the team has capable backups at both guard positions. Who emerges as the team's starting left tackle will be a primary storyline to watch as its spring session concludes and the 2025 season nears. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin football starting tight end, top transfer addition reportedly reentering portal
Wisconsin football starting tight end, top transfer addition reportedly reentering portal Wisconsin football projected starting tight end and top transfer addition Tanner Koziol is reportedly set to reenter the portal when the spring window opens on April 16, according to a report from BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew. Bartholomew notes that Koziol has been absent from Badgers' spring practice since April 3. The former Ball State tight end recently joined the program this winter as a four-star transfer recruit, ranked specifically as the portal's No. 69 overall player and No. 3 tight end. He was the headliner of an impressive winter transfer cycle from the Badgers, plus projected as the team's starting tight end and potential No. 1 receiving option. The veteran tight end broke out as a junior at Ball State in 2024, catching 94 passes for 839 yards and eight touchdowns. He has 36 total games of starting experience over three seasons, plus 163 career receptions, 1,507 yards and 18 scores. For reference, ProFootballFocus lists him as college football's top returning player at his position. This story is worth watching as the week continues, as his move will not become official until the spring transfer window officially opens on Wednesday. Koziol's potential departure would be a major blow to Wisconsin's 2025 outlook. He projected as a perfect fit in Jeff Grimes' pro-style offense, providing a receiving threat at the position the program missed during Phil Longo's two years at the helm. The Badgers are also thin at the position, with junior Tucker Ashcraft and redshirt junior J.T. Seagreaves the two likely replacements. Those two veterans have just 25 combined catches, 215 yards and two touchdowns over their college careers. Wisconsin will likely need to readdress the position during the spring transfer window. The program also has a significant need at offensive line, depending on the injury status of left tackle Kevin Heywood. The Badgers previously aced the winter transfer window, reshaping their defensive front seven, quarterback room and offensive skill corps. Koziol's potential departure could begin to change that reality, depending on the program's backup plan for the position. This headline is not what Wisconsin wants to see as it prepares to face one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2025, fresh off missing a bowl game in 2024. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
