Tag: news

BREAKING: Wisconsin flips top Michigan class of 2025 DL commit

BREAKING: Wisconsin flips Michigan top class of 2025 DL commit

Wisconsin landed a commitment from class of 2025 defensive lineman Jaylen Williams on Wednesday.

Williams had committed to Michigan in June. He flips to Wisconsin, instantly becoming one of the program’s highest-ranked commits in its class of 2025.

Related: Everything Luke Fickell said about the Phil Longo firing, Badgers’ offensive plan moving forward

247Sports ranks the four-star defensive lineman as the No. 279 player in the class of 2025, No. 28 defensive lineman and No. 7 recruit from the state of Illinois. His extended offer sheet, now likely irrelevant, includes top programs Florida, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC.

Williams is Wisconsin’s 24th commitment in the class of 2025. The group is now approaching the nation’s top 25. It has a blue-chip percentage of 29%.

This is a much-needed positive headline for Wisconsin amid its ongoing difficulties, headlined by the recent firing of offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Defensive line is a position the program has worked hard to address in this class. With Williams, the group has four players at the position committed.

Luke Fickell and the Badgers staff have flipped multiple highly touted recruits from Big Ten rivals. Williams joins DL Drayden Pavey (Purdue) and tight end Emmett Bork (Michigan State). He is one of what could be several finishing touches to the class. Focus will turn to uncommitted quarterback Carter Smith, who is reportedly deciding between Wisconsin and Florida State.

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Saints coach Darren Rizzi shares update on Erik McCoy injury

Darren Rizzi shared an update on Monday regarding the status of center Erik McCoy, who exited Sunday’s game with an injury:

Darren Rizzi provided an update on Monday regarding the status of center Erik McCoy, who went down during the Saints’ 35-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday with a groin injury.

It was his first game back after missing seven games due to the same injury, but he re-aggravated it here.

Ahead of the bye week on the horizon, Rizzi indicated that McCoy “went through a bunch of tests” and that the team was using caution in this situation.

He noted it was a positive thing that the Saints had a bye week to rest up, but made it clear McCoy would be fine regardless.

The importance of McCoy is not to be underestimated when it comes to keeping veteran quarterback Derek Carr upright, and that’s something the quarterback paid respect to in the week leading up to the game when he met with the media.

“He can fix problems on the fly, things no one will ever see, no one will ever know, handling the un-scouted looks and then winning his matchups,” Carr said. “For a QB, it’s nice when he’s there, because you know exactly what you’re getting.”

Expect McCoy to be back in the fold at full capacity when the Saints continue the 2024 schedule against the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. CT in the Caesars Superdome on Dec. 1.

BREAKING: Wisconsin fires offensive coordinator Phil Longo

BREAKING: Wisconsin fires offensive coordinator Phil Longo

Wisconsin football fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Sunday, according to a release from the program.

The Badgers make the move after struggling offensively in a 16-13 Week 12 loss to No. 1 Oregon. The offense held the team back from a program-defining victory, continuing a worrying trend that dates to the start of Longo’s tenure with the program.

Related: Major takeaways from Wisconsin’s close call against No. 1 Oregon

“This morning, I informed Phil Longo that he will no longer serve as our offensive coordinator,” Fickell said in the program’s release. “After continuing to evaluate the program, I decided we are not where we need to be and believe this decision is in the best interest of the team. I appreciate Phil’s commitment to helping us build our program over the past two seasons and wish him well moving forward. This team still has a lot in front of us, and I am committed to doing everything we can to close out this season with success.”

Longo’s unit ranked 91st in the nation in total offense (363.1 yards per game) and 98th in the nation in scoring offense (23.9 points per game) through 12 weeks in 2024.

There is context. The unit dealt with a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. But it still failed to make any significant progress after showing spurts of success during a midseason winning streak.

Wisconsin makes the move 23 games into the Luke Fickell era.

His move to hire Longo was a significant departure from the program’s history and identity. This decision marks a significant moment for Fickell as he works to build his program. It goes without saying his next offensive hire will need to be the right one.

The Badgers close with games against Nebraska and Minnesota. They need one win to gain bowl eligibility for a 23rd consecutive season.

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RECAP: Wisconsin’s upset bid falls short as Badgers fall to No. 1 Oregon 16-13

RECAP: Wisconsin’s upset bid falls short as Badgers fall to No. 1 Oregon 16-13

Wisconsin came within a fourth-quarter drive of a program-defining upset on Saturday night. The team’s upset bid fell just short, as the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks held on for a 16-13 win.

The Badgers tested the Ducks from the opening kick. Oregon started the game slow with a field goal and red-zone interception in its first two drives. Wisconsin struggled to find much offense through that time and entered the second quarter trailing just 6-0. The stat sheet showed a lopsided first frame, though the Badgers were still hanging tough on the scoreboard.

Wisconsin then found its form in the second frame. A strong defensive effort kept that margin at 6-0 as the Badgers finally found space for RB Tawee Walker. Braedyn Locke found WR Will Pauling for a one-yard touchdown in the quarter’s closing minutes, building a surprising 10-6 halftime lead.

Luke Fickell’s team has played strong first halves against top teams all season. Those results have flipped after the break, leading to final margins of 42-10 vs Alabama, 38-21 vs USC and 28-13 vs Penn State.

Saturday’s contest was different. Wisconsin built its margin to 13-6 during a strong third quarter. The team found more and more running room as the game continued, putting the top-ranked Ducks squarely on the ropes.

Oregon faced a 4th-and-9 deep in Wisconsin territory entering the final frame, a defensive stop that could’ve defined Wisconsin’s upset victory.

Instead, Oregon’s playmakers decided the game down the stretch.

QB Dillon Gabriel found top tight end Terrance Ferguson on a tight-window throw on that 4th-and-9. Oregon RB Jordan James scored a few plays later, notching the score at 13 apiece.

Wisconsin then had several opportunities to regain control on offense and capitalize on the terrific opportunity. Those final drives were punt, punt, turnover on downs and a game-clinching interception. Oregon’s defense took over with the game in the balance.

Oregon escapes Wisconsin with a 16-13 victory, improving to 11-0 on the season and 8-0 in Big Ten play. The Ducks clinch a Big Ten title game appearance with the win.

Wisconsin drops to 5-5 on the season and 3-4 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Badgers must win one of their two closing games at Nebraska and vs. Minnesota to clinch bowl eligibility.

The Badgers put forth an encouraging effort after their disastrous loss at Iowa in Week 10. The sentiment will still reflect a missed opportunity after having the No. 1 team in the sport on the doorstep of defeat.

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Wisconsin vs No. 1 Oregon injury report: Ducks without two star players vs. Badgers

All the latest updates and news on Wisconsin’s injury report ahead of a Week 12 game vs. Oregon

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) and No. 1 Oregon Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) are close to 90 minutes away from kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin enters as a sizable underdog, looking to pull its first upset over an AP No. 1 overall team since it defeated then-No. 1 Ohio State back in 2010.

Oregon is the consensus No. 1 team in the country with a flawless record and strong resume. It has won each of its last four games by at least 21 points, including a 39-18 win over Maryland in Week 11.

In advance of the opening coin toss, each team released its final injury status report. There are several notable updates, including Oregon missing two of its top players:

Wisconsin injury report

OUT: RB Chez Mellusi (for season), QB Tyler Van Dyke (for season), WR Joseph Griffin (for season), S Kamo’i Latu, OL Evan Brown, OL Leyton Nelson, TE Rob Booker, DL James Thompson Jr.

QUESTIONABLE: LB Jaheim Thomas, WR Tyrell Henry, DT Curt Neal

Oregon injury report

OUT: EDGE Jordan Burch, DB Jahlil Florence, DB Khamari Terrell, WR Tez Johnson, WR Kyler Kasper, OL Marcus Harper, OL Matthew Bedford, DL My’keil Gardner

QUESTIONABLE: None

Wisconsin WR Bryson Green injury update

Badgers veteran receiver Bryson Green appears poised for his first game action since suffering a lower-body injury in Wisconsin’s Oct. 5 win over Purdue.

Oregon WR Tez Johnson injury update

Tez Johnson went down with a shoulder injury during Oregon’s win over Michigan a few weeks ago. The injury is not considered season-ending, but he isn’t ready for Saturday’s contest.

Oregon edge Jordan Burch injury update

Oregon star defensive end Jordan Burch injured his ankle in the Ducks’ win over Maryland and will miss the Wisconsin matchup.

Wisconsin WR Tyrell Henry injury update

Wisconsin WR and kick returner Tyrell Henry is questionable for the Oregon game after missing several weeks due to injury. S Hunter Wohler has handled punt return duties in his absence.

Wisconsin and Oregon will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

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Wisconsin legend Bo Ryan immortalized in Kohl Center rafters

Wisconsin legend Bo Ryan immortalized in Kohl Center rafters

This story was updated to change a photo.

For the first time, a Wisconsin coach has been immortalized in the Kohl Center rafters.

That is program legend Bo Ryan, who was honored with a ceremony at halftime of the Badgers’ matchup against the No. 9-ranked Arizona Wildcats on Friday.

Ryan and the rest of Wisconsin’s 2014 and 2015 Final Four teams were honored as the 2024-25 team battled the Wildcats — a team that lost to Wisconsin during each of those Final Four runs.  The occasion was the 10-year anniversary of the first run, as well as Ryan being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Ryan’s name now hangs in the rafters alongside program legends Frank Kaminsky, Michael Finley and Ab Nicholas.

The banner only includes his name and his coaching tenure — both assistant and head coach. An expansion to include career honors, records and awards would stretch far past the allotted length.

Nov 15, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Former Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan (sport coat front) is shown with his family while being honored at halftime of their game Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.Unranked Wisconsin upset Arizona 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Ryan’s Hall of Fame career includes a 394-157 overall record (364-130 at Wisconsin), three Big Ten tournament titles, four Big Ten regular season titles, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances in 14 seasons, four Big Ten Coach of the Year awards and, as highlighted, those two Final Four runs in 2014 and 2015.

He was the driving force behind the most successful run in Wisconsin basketball history.

Wisconsin now returns for the second half looking to repeat Ryan’s success against the Wildcats. The Badgers built a 55-44 halftime lead in what was a high-flying opening period.

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Wisconsin predicted to lose top 2025 quarterback target to Florida State

Wisconsin predicted to lose top 2025 quarterback target to Florida State

On Thursday, four-star class of 2025 quarterback Carter Smith received an On3 expert prediction that he will choose Florida State.

The prediction came from On3 Vice President Steve Wiltfong, one of the top insiders in the recruiting industry.

Related: Ranking the biggest storylines entering Wisconsin’s matchup against No. 1 Oregon

The prediction arrives days before Smith will visit Wisconsin during its prime-time game against No. 1 Oregon. The Badgers have been in hot pursuit of Smith since he decommitted from Michigan at the end of October.

This update also comes immediately after class of 2025 QB Tramell Jones decommitted from Florida State, creating an opening for a quarterback in the Seminoles’ class. On3 reports Smith will likely visit Florida State for its game against Florida on Nov. 30.

The musical chairs at quarterback have Jones trending toward Florida, Michigan in pursuit of top 2025 QB Bryce Underwood, and both Florida State and Wisconsin battling to land Smith.

The highly touted quarterback is No. 158 overall, No. 14 among quarterbacks and No. 26 in his home state of Florida, according to 247Sports. His addition would be a substantial boost for Wisconsin’s class of 2025. He would be the program’s highest-rated high school quarterback commit since Graham Mertz (class of 2019).

Wisconsin still has a chance to make its case to Smith during his visit to the program this weekend. A win over No. 1 Oregon would do a lot for that case.

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Wisconsin staffer stepping down from Badgers coaching staff after OWI arrest

Wisconsin staffer stepping down from Badgers coaching staff after OWI arrest

Jack Del Rio is stepping down from the Wisconsin coaching staff following his recent OWI arrest, according to Badgers head coach Luke Fickell.

Fickell opened his Monday press conference with a statement on the situation:

“Obviously we take everything incredibly seriously that happens, with our student-athletes or our staff,” Fickell began. “We had an issue this weekend that I think our administration has released a statement already. That happened with Jack Del Rio on Thursday. I’ve been in communication on Friday with our administration, and have had some communication with Jack, have sat down with him. He’ll be releasing a statement here I would imagine shortly after the press conference. That he’s going to move forward, he’s going to resign and move on. It’s a tough situation, decisions that all of us have to be able to take full responsibility for. So that’s what Jack will do and we’ll continue to move forward.”

Del Rio then released the following:

“I’m grateful to Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin for the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching and support staff and some of the best young football players in the country. I have decided to step away from my position with the team, so they can focus all their attention on the remainder of the season.”

Here are further details of the incident, as first reported by BadgerExtra’s Colten Bartholomew.

Del Rio originally joined the Badgers staff over the summer after a long coaching tenure in the NFL, including as defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders (2020-23), head coach for the then-Oakland Raiders (2015-17), defensive coordinator for Denver Broncos (2012-14) and head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11).

Wisconsin (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) is back on the field on Saturday, Nov. 16 against the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks, needing just one more win to clinch bowl eligibility.

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Los Angeles Rams waive former Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman

Los Angeles Rams waive former Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman

The Los Angeles Rams waived former Wisconsin offensive lineman Logan Bruss on Monday. The move was made as the Rams altered their roster before their Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins.

Bruss was a third-round pick by the team back in the 2022 NFL draft. He appeared in just eight games from 2022-24, all of which were during the first half of the 2024 season.

Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger on an NFL 53-man roster entering 2024 ranked by career earnings

The former Badger’s Rams career hit a significant roadblock when he tore his ACL and MCL during the team’s second preseason game before the 2022 season. He then spent all of last season on the practice squad before making the roster in 2024.

Bruss started three games at left guard for the Rams this season before being benched for rookie Justin Dedich. His roster spot was then eliminated with the Rams activating starting linemen Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila off injured reserve.

Bruss played five years for the Badgers (2017-21). That career included 41 games and 34 starts (25 at right tackle, six at right guard). It was capped off by All-Big Ten second team honors during the 2021 season, blocking for program-great RB Braelon Allen.

The former Badger will now look for a new NFL home as he continues his professional career.

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Former Wisconsin transfer lineman to miss remainder of 2024 season with Achilles injury

Former Wisconsin transfer lineman to miss remainder of 2024 season with Achilles injury

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Drew Evans will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering an Achilles injury, according to a release from the program.

Evans suffered the injury in practice this week leading up to Indiana’s matchup against Michigan. He had played an integral role in Indiana’s 9-0 start to the season, starting all nine games at left guard.

Related: Bye Week Report Card: Grading Wisconsin’s offense and Grading Wisconsin’s defense

The redshirt sophomore lineman transferred to Indiana after initially walking on with the Badgers ahead of the 2022 season. The Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin native followed position coach Bob Bostad, who left Wisconsin for Indiana after the Badgers fired former coach Paul Chryst during the 2022 season.

Evans did not appear in a game in either of his first two collegiate seasons. His play in 2024 as part of Indiana’s strong offensive line has been a big surprise, especially after he won a starting job due to an injury to the projected starter.

Evans’ absence will test Bostad and the depth of his group. Indiana is in the midst of a dream season in year one under new coach Curt Cignetti. It is approaching a College Football Playoff appearance — a result that would mark an unprecedented turnaround after the program’s 3-9 2023 campaign.

Indiana and Michigan will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Indiana’s offensive line without Evans will be a big story against a top Michigan defensive front.

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