Tag: Mike Tressel

Wisconsin promotes former Ohio State standout to assistant linebackers coach

Wisconsin promotes former Ohio State standout to assistant linebackers coach

Wisconsin promoted former Ohio State standout linebacker Tuf Borland to assistant linebackers coach on Thursday.

Borland’s promotion was part of a trio of moves, accompanied by the program hiring Joe Ludwig and Blake Rolan to assistant tight ends and assistant wide receivers coach, respectively.

Borland has been on the Badgers staff as a graduate assistant since 2023. He entered the coaching profession after a five-year career with the Buckeyes (2016-20) that included 49 appearances, 31 starts, 229 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks and two interceptions. According to the program, he is one of two players in Ohio State history to be named a three-time team captain.

Luke Fickell played at Ohio State, then coached for the program from 2002-16. He and Borland overlapped in one season (2016), Borland as a true freshman linebacker and Fickell as the Buckeyes’ co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

Borland will work under Wisconsin defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Mike Tressel. Since Tressel runs the entire defense, the first-year assistant coach could grow into a significant role with the position group.

Wisconsin enters 2024 with Christian Alliegro and Tackett Curtis as its starting inside linebackers. Western Carolina transfer Antarron Turner also figures to compete for snaps. The position is one to watch as Tressel works to improve his defensive unit after the 2024 unit finished with averages of 342.7 yards allowed (No. 41 in the nation), 23.08 points allowed (No. 47), 1.42 sacks (No. 120) and one turnover forced (No. 110) — all far below Wisconsin’s typical standing.

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Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel: Badgers leadership is ‘completely different’ entering 2024

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel: Badgers ‘leadership is completely different’ entering 2024

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is impressed with what he’s seen from the team’s veterans on defense entering the 2024 season.

He shared his sentiment with the Big Ten Network crew as they made their annual trip to the Badgers fall training camp. The focus: the presence of senior safety Hunter Wohler and linebacker Jake Chaney.

Related: Projecting Wisconsin Badgers two-deep depth chart heading into Week 4 of 2024 fall camp

“I think the leadership is completely different in terms of those guys really hold their teammates accountable,” Tressel said. “It’s so much better when the players hold each other accountable than when the coaches get involved in that. That is so much better.”

Wohler and Chaney both return after finishing 2023 as two of the Badgers’ statistical leaders. That season, as explained by many, was unique in that it was an adjustment period for everybody, head coach on down. It’s reasonable to assume that setting created an unusual dynamic, especially for the previous leaders under Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard who elected to stay after Fickell’s hire.

That dynamic is all gone entering 2024. Wohler and Chaney are two of the team’s senior leaders on defense, and have clearly left a positive impression on their coordinator.

“The other thing is we’ve challenged them to be problem solvers. We’ve put them in positions to see some things that they haven’t seen during practice or on film,” Tressel continued. “And have them communicate and be the problem solvers. Because we weren’t great in opening scripts last year. That’s when you see the stuff you haven’t seen in practice. So we’ve put that on their plates and they’ve done well.”

Tressel, Wohler and Chaney are looking to lead the Wisconsin defense to an improvement after a solid performance in 2023. That unit finished ranked No. 21 in the nation in scoring defense (20.2 points per game) and No. 39 in total defense (344 yards allowed per game). The 2024 group is expected to be better with another year of continuity, aided by a host of transfer additions at linebacker and defensive line.

That improvement, in Tressel’s eyes, will also come due to the growing leadership of Wohler and Chaney at the center of the unit.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. 

One-on-one interview with Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jaheim Thomas

One-on-one interview with Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jaheim Thomas

The Wisconsin Badgers football team is two weeks away from their season opener against Western Michigan on Aug. 30. In that time, Arkansas transfer linebacker Jaheim Thomas is gearing up for his first year in Madison.

Thomas, a redshirt senior, transferred to Wisconsin in January after spending the 2023 campaign with the Razorbacks, recording 90 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two pass deflections over 12 games.

Prior to ending up at Arkansas, the linebacker spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Cincinnati under current Badgers head coach Luke Fickell and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel.

“Not a lot has changed. We have got a lot more intense since I’ve been here. That’s one thing I like. Makes sure guys are on their toes every single day, you have to bring it every single day,” Thomas explained.

The Badgers’ defense struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2023, finishing the season with 29.0 total team sacks, which ranked tied for 56th in the nation. Thomas believes that the team has committed to raising their sack numbers in 2024.

“That’s what we pride ourselves on. That’s one thing that when I got here, I talked to guys like DP (Darryl Peterson), John (Pius), Leon (Lowery),  Aaron Witt. We want to get to the quarterback, we want to have a whole lot more sacks this year,” Thomas said.

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Wisconsin will open their season by hosting Western Michigan (Aug. 30) and South Dakota (Sept. 7) before they’ll face a major test with Alabama coming to town Sept. 14.

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel applauds continuity entering year two with the Badgers

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel is ‘impressed with how many truly understand the defense’

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel met with the media after the Badgers training camp practice on Thursday.

One focus of his comments was the difference between this period and this time in 2023, back when he was entering his first season with the program.

An obvious progression between the two is continuity. The experienced defensive coordinator highlighted how he’s ‘impressed with how many of [the Badgers’ players] really truly understand the defense’ compared to this time last year.

Related: Final 2024 Big Ten football standings projection using ESPN’s FPI matchup predictor

“That’s exciting to see,” Tressel continued. “We are emphasizing, we need a whole bunch of 1Bs, because 2s are the guys that are backups that don’t get on the field on Saturdays. 1Bs are the guys that you absolutely set in a rotation, and you see more of those now than you did at this time last year.”

Tressel’s comments make sense given the full year between his evaluations. A defensive system that was brand-new from Jim Leonhard’s classic 3-4 scheme was only seven months old last year. Now, it’s one year and seven months old. That, and many of Wisconsin’s defensive leaders returned after 2023. Star safety Hunter Wohler, cornerback Ricardo Hallman, linebacker Jake Chaney, defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. and others have not only spent more time practicing in the system, but also played it for 13 games last season.

That continuity at the top of the defense is sure to help new transfers and young players adapt to the scheme. Instead of the entire team having to learn a new scheme together, now the majority of the depth chart is already familiar with what is expected.

This year-to-year progression is expected to lead to better results for Wisconsin’s defense.

The Badgers finished 2023 ranked No. 21 in scoring defense with 20.2 points allowed per game and No. 39 in total defense with 344.0 yards allowed per game. The unit was good, but it didn’t reach the program’s typical level of dominance.

With continuity and more talent on the front seven, that dominant form should return in 2024.

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Wisconsin Badgers offer class of 2026 DL from New Jersey

Wisconsin Badgers offer class of 2026 DL from New Jersey

The Wisconsin Badgers football team extended an offer to class of 2026 defensive lineman Damari Simeon on Saturday.

The Badgers are the 13th Division 1 program to offer the Richland, New Jersey native. Wisconsin, Penn State and Rutgers are now the three Big Ten programs currently on his offer sheet.

The 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman has yet to receive a recruiting ranking from 247Sports, On3, or Rivals. He recently compiled 45 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, eight TFLs and one forced fumble over 10 games as a sophomore at St. Augustine Prep. A ranking is sure to follow as the class of 2026 cycle continues.

Wisconsin currently has one player committed to its class of 2026: three-star quarterback Jarrin Mock.

The program has undergone a culture change on the defensive side of the ball since Luke Fickell’s arrival as head coach. He and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel are still in the midst of implementing their 3-3-5 scheme. High school recruiting will be a major factor in how the unit performs as the years continue.

Wisconsin top class of 2025 recruit invited to All-American Bowl

Wisconsin football class of 2025 recruit invited to All-American Bowl

Wisconsin top class of 2025 commit four-star linebacker Mason Posa received an invitation to the 2025 All-American Bowl on Thursday. The event will take place in January ahead of Posa joining the Badgers.

Posa committed to Wisconsin on June 13, becoming the highest-rated recruit to pick Luke Fickell’s squad in 2025 to this point. The New Mexico native compiled 99 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, while also adding two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception over 10 games in his junior season at Albuquerque La Cueva High School.

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Wisconsin went 7-6 in 2023 in year one with Luke Fickell at the helm as the program’s head coach and Mike Tressel as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Tressel’s side of the ball finished 38th overall in total defense, surrendering 344.0 yards per game. A primary issue was getting to the quarterback, finishing the year tied for 56th in the country with 29.0 sacks as a team.

In the offseason, there was a clear focus on acquiring playmakers in the linebackers room, grabbing players like Leon Lowery (Syracuse) and John Pius (William & Mary) in the transfer portal, while also bringing in a pair of linebackers in their class of 2024.

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel highlights two potential breakout players on Badgers defensive line

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel highlights two potential breakout players on Badgers defensive line

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel met with the assembled media on Monday before the Badgers hit the road to begin 2024 training camp at UW-Platteville.

One big topic of conversation was the team’s defensive line, arguably its biggest weakness entering the 2024 season.

Related: Position battles to follow as Wisconsin Badgers begin 2024 fall training camp

Tressel highlighted two players who may correct that statement, players who have taken significant steps forward this offseason: redshirt senior James Thompson Jr. and redshirt sophomore Curt Neal.

Thompson Jr. projects to lead the room after recording 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in 2023. Neal, meanwhile, should take advantage of available snaps after tallying only 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman a season ago.

The two players project to lead a room that added two transfers this offseason in Elijah Hills (Albany) and Brandon Lane (Stephen F. Austin). They both enter with plenty of experience at the FCS level, but each need to prove it in the Big Ten.

Thompson Jr., Neal, Lane and Hills are likely to be the top four in a rotation that also includes redshirt seniors Ben Barten and Cade McDonald, redshirt freshman Jamel Howard and a host of talented incoming freshmen.

The position’s future in the next few years is certainly brighter than its status as a potential weakness entering 2024. But the possible emergence of the two players Tressel mentioned may change that ‘weakness’ status.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

2024 Preseason Previews

Big Ten Team Previews: Indiana Hoosiers — Purdue Boilermakers — Illinois Fighting Illini — Northwestern Wildcats — Minnesota Golden Gophers — Nebraska Cornhuskers — Iowa Hawkeyes — Rutgers Scarlet Knights — Maryland Terrapins — Michigan State Spartans — USC Trojans — UCLA Bruins — Washington Huskies — Michigan Wolverines — Penn State Nittany Lions — Ohio State Buckeyes — Oregon Ducks — Wisconsin Badgers

Big Ten Position Previews: Quarterbacks — Running Backs — Wide Receivers — Offensive Lines — Tight Ends — Defensive Line — Linebackers — Cornerbacks — Safeties

Wisconsin Position Previews: Quarterback — Running Back

Wisconsin football offers highly-touted class of 2027 linebacker

Wisconsin football offers highly-touted class of 2027 linebacker

Wisconsin football extended an offer to class of 2027 linebacker Braylon Williams on Sunday.

Despite being unranked by 247Sports, Rivals or On3, Williams already has offers from several NCAA Division I programs. The most notable include Wisconsin, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Arkansas, SMU, Colorado and Utah.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel seems to have captained Williams’ recruiting campaign, per Rivals.

Representing Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, Williams logged 50 solo tackles, 89 total tackles and 8.9 tackles per game as a freshman, per MaxPreps. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Williams’ freakish output during his first year at Lamar will certainly draw heads from scouts across the nation.

Even though the 2027 recruiting cycle is still a ways away, Luke Fickell and company appear to be attaching themselves to one of Texas’ most promising defensive forces ahead of what will likely be a competitive commitment process.

Luke Fickell’s class of 2025 on the other hand, currently ranks No. 15 in the nation with 13 players committed. Several linebackers, including three-star Cooper Catalano, three-star Brenden Anes and three-star Samuel Lateju, are set to represent UW beginning in 2025.

Takeaways from Wisconsin football’s de-facto spring game

Takeaways from Wisconsin’s de-facto spring game:

The Wisconsin Badgers football team hosted their 13th spring practice of the year Saturday, playing primarily 11-on-11 for the duration. Luke Fickell and the Badgers no longer host a spring game between their offensive and defensive units, but Saturday came close.

Graduate transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Miami, Florida) handled the majority of the first-team reps at practice, though redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke continued to get plenty of work as well.

Van Dyke connected for a pair of notable touchdowns to tight end Riley Nowakowski and wide receiver Tyrell Henry, while once again showing an improved understanding of Phil Longo’s offense.

With just a pair of practices remaining before spring workouts conclude, Van Dyke has proven capable of being the team’s primary option at quarterback in 2024.

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Wide receiver Trech Kekahuna has impressed throughout camp, and he made sure to show off his shiftiness on a handful of occasions while operating out of the slot wideout position on Saturday. With Will Pauling returning for another season, Wisconsin has a formidable duo in the slot.

At running back, both transfer Tawee Walker (Oklahoma) and true freshman Gideon Ituka produces scores on the ground. Familiar faces Chez Mellusi and Nate White churned out big gains.

On the defensive side, linebacker Darryl Peterson had a big day, getting to the quarterback and into the backfield on a semi-regular basis, showing his elite understanding of Mike Tressel’s defensive approach.

Transfer linebackers John Pius (William & Mary) and Leon Lowery (Syracuse) have been among the most notable additions to Wisconsin’s roster this season and they figure to make a significant impact in the pass rush in 2024.

Last but not least, safety Hunter Wohler is back for 2024, and he looks to build upon a 2023 campaign in which he led the team with 120 total tackles while also snatching a pair of interceptions. He has been just as effective this spring and was good for some show-stopping hits on the practice field Saturday.

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Wisconsin football offers former All-MAC transfer defensive tackle

Wisconsin football offers former All-MAC transfer defensive tackle

Wisconsin football extended an offer to transfer portal defensive tackle and former All-MAC selection C.J. West on Tuesday.

The now-former Kent State defensive tackle recorded 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble in a terrific senior season in 2023. He enters the portal with 36 games of experience, 19.5 total tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

West has already received offers from LSU, Indiana, Rutgers, Miami, Kansas State, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Wisconsin after entering the transfer portal on Tuesday,

The La Grange Park, Illinois native initially committed to the University of Minnesota in 2019 before signing with the Golden Flashes in February of 2020. 

With one year of eligibility remaining, West is clearly a coveted target for a collection of the most prestigious programs across the new ‘Power Four’ landscape. 

Wisconsin has a significant need along the defensive line. Only James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal return with any experience, plus backup T.J. Bollers recently entered the transfer portal.

West would be a day-one starter for Mike Tressel’s defense as the program continues to transition to his new defensive system.