Phil Longo – Syndication Server

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.

The @BadgerFootball team’s 13th spring practice and last Saturday session was today 💨

Takeaways:

– QB Tyler Van Dyke has the upper hand in “first team” reps

– LB Darryl Peterson was constantly in the backfield

– RBs Tawee Walker and Nate White both with TDs@TheGameMadison pic.twitter.com/zImUz5xS7w

— Nick Bruesewitz (@NickBruesewitz) April 27, 2024

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Wisconsin OC Phil Longo’s former QB selected No. 3 overall in 2024 NFL draft

Wisconsin OC Phil Longo’s former QB just got drafted:

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo just saw his former quarterback selected in the NFL draft.

That is now-former North Carolina Drake Maye, who was selected No. 3 overall by the New England Patriots.

Longo coached Maye for his first two collegiate seasons. 2022, his second year in college and first year as the starter, was likely his best — 66.2% completion, 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 184 carries, 698 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

The accomplished offensive coordinator then took the job at Wisconsin under head coach Luke Fickell ahead of the 2023 season. Maye stayed put at North Carolina, and still put up impressive numbers after Longo’s departure. He didn’t quite look like the dominant player he was in 2022, which led to some questions entering the draft process.

Either way, Longo played at least a role in developing the promising young quarterback into the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft.

DRAKE MAYE IS A NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/Svs6CPt5Cr

— PFF (@PFF) April 26, 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. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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Former four-star QB with ties to Wisconsin OC Phil Longo enters transfer portal

Does Wisconsin need any more help at quarterback?

The spring transfer portal window opened on Tuesday. It’s the start of two weeks of chaotic transfer activity across college football and the last chance for movement before the 2024 season.

One player with strong Wisconsin connections entered the portal when it opened: former North Carolina and Arkansas quarterback Jacolby Criswell.

Criswell played for Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo at North Carolina for three seasons from 2020-2022 before transferring to Arkansas for the 2023 season.

The dual-threat quarterback was a four-star recruit back in the class of 2020, ranked as the No. 267 player in the class, No. 11 quarterback and No. 2 recruit from the state of Arkansas.

Criswell has not seen the field much during his four-year college career. He backed up Sam Howell at Drake Maye at North Carolina, only attempting 31 total passes in his three years there. Arkansas was no different, as the former four-star recruit played in just four games in 2023, completing 17 of 27 passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

Arkansas QB Jacolby Criswell to enter NCAA Transfer Portal, according to report from @bmarcello #wps #arkansas #razorbacks (FREE): https://t.co/wKKeENMvTc pic.twitter.com/tzPFD2o6Ue

— Trey Biddy (@TreyBiddy) April 15, 2024

Wisconsin is not in the veteran quarterback market thanks to the presence of established starter Tyler Van Dyke. Criswell almost definitely wouldn’t transfer to a place he’d continue to be the backup, plus I doubt the Badgers would mess with Braedyn Locke’s standing in the room.

But Criswell does have a strong connection to Wisconsin’s current offensive coordinator, so he’d be the first to know whether the former four-star recruit has some untapped potential.

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Wisconsin football offers a fast-rising class of 2026 tight end

Wisconsin football extended an offer to class of 2026 tight end Landed Miree on Saturday.

Miree is currently unranked on 247Sports, as is the case with most of the class of 2026. He already holds offers from major schools including Indiana, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia at this early stage in the cycle — potentially signaling a fast rise once the 2026 cycle heats up.

Wisconsin is prioritizing the tight end position in the class, with offers already out to several at the position including top-ranked Brock Harris. Luke Fickell and his staff are working to cater the roster to the strengths of Phil Longo and Mike Tressel’s respective systems. A new approach at the tight-end position is a clear area of emphasis.

After an amazing weekend in Madison , I am blessed to receive an offer from The University of Wisconsin!! 🔴⚪️ @NateLetton @ZachZilmJr @AllenTrieu @CoachFick @JaredLuginbill @247Sports @CoachParker99 @VikeNationFB @gmcsports @On3sports @RivalsPapiClint @Rivals_Jeff @Rivals… pic.twitter.com/9vdkdTVNmg

— Landen (My-Ree) Miree (@LandenMiree4) April 6, 2024

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Wisconsin OC Phil Longo discusses Badgers ongoing quarterback competition

Who should start at QB for Wisconsin this fall?

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo met with the media Friday as the Badgers’ spring season continued. One topic of conversation was his quarterback room and the state of the competition between veteran transfer Tyler Van Dyke and returning youngster Braedyn Locke.

Van Dyke joined the Badgers this offseason after three years of starting at Miami. He brings a wealth of experience, plus 912 career pass attempts, 581 completions, 7,469 yards, 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

Locke, on the other hand, returns after a redshirt freshman season at Wisconsin that saw him thrust into action after an injury to starter Tanner Mordecai. He played in five games, completing 50% of his passes for 777 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

The veteran figures to be the starter — as was the case with Mordecai last season. But Wisconsin is reportedly approaching it as a pure competition and giving Locke a real chance to win the job.

“I think any time you have more talent in the room, and not just bodies, it breeds competition,” Longo said. “So if you want reps and you want to get on the field on game day, you have to beat out a number of other good players.”

That last part rings true, as the Badgers quarterback room currently consists of Van Dyke, Locke, highly touted youngster Nick Evers and true freshman Mabrey Mettauer. The room is as talented as it’s ever been, which should breed the productive competition that Longo refers to.

Here is his full answer and emphasis on the job being up for grabs:

“I think any time you have more talent in the room, not just bodies, it breeds competition.” ⚒️

🔗 | https://t.co/q9KFtFUPw4 pic.twitter.com/tpSQE6KTwu

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 5, 2024

As I wrote on X yesterday, Wisconsin fans should be thrilled if Locke somehow wins the job. It would mean he beat out an impressive room of QBs, including one of the more established starters in the nation.

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Wisconsin’s Phil Longo one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in college football

Wisconsin football stepped up its game in November of 2022 with the hire of Luke Fickell, one of the industry’s hottest young names. The move marked a substantial philosophical change by Chris McIntosh and the athletic department. It was a clear attempt to invest in an infrastructure that can compete in the modern age of college athletics.

The results will not be known for years. But the desire was clear: to compete in the new age of college football.

The program overhaul most notably included the hire of well-thought-of offensive coordinator Phil Longo and the installation of his air raid offense. Longo brought an impressive track record from years at North Carolina and Ole Miss. He was one of the bigger names in the sport, and brought a wave of excitement and optimism. Results have been mixed so far — Wisconsin finished the 2023 season with SP+’s No. 86-ranked offense, its worst mark in years. But optimism still exists entering 2024.

The addition of Longo and the rest of the Badgers staff required investment by McIntosh and his department. That is seen in Longo’s reported salary, which is among the highest in the sport.

Here are those rankings, according to FootballScoop:

(Note: it does not include some of 2024’s newest hires including Ohio State OC Chip Kelly, as those salaries have not yet been reported)

Salary: $1.85 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 65

Salary: $1.75 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 51

Salary: $1.65 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 15

Salary: $1.60 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Kansas): No. 17

Salary: $1.50 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 13

Salary: $1.50 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Texas A&M): No. 20

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 97

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 123

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 1

Salary: $1.325 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 6

Salary: $1.30 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (as TE coach at Washington): No. 5

Salary: $1.25 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Boise State): No. 29

Salary: $1.25 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 86

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

Where Wisconsin’s class of 2025 stands after its latest commitment

What should be considered a success for Luke Fickell’s second full recruiting class?

Wisconsin landed a commitment from class of 2025 linebacker Samuel Lateju Monday afternoon. The commitment is the program’s eighth in the class, and first since the end of January.

Luke Fickell’s group now ranks No. 9 in the nation, and No. 3 in the new Big Ten behind Ohio State and Penn State.

Of note, the class is currently without a blue-chip recruit — that after Fickell’s 2024 class finished with a blue-chip ratio of 50%. Wisconsin’s current top-10 ranking is due more to volume than top-end quality, though months remain before the cycle comes to a close.

The 2025 cycle is a critical one for Fickell and his coaching staff.

First, Wisconsin experienced turnover on its coaching staff throughout the offseason. Fickell’s new hires must continue 2024’s recruiting success without a hitch.

Second, Fickell’s vision for the program will only succeed with improved talent. The Badgers’ place in the new Big Ten is currently unknown, especially as new members join and divisions are eliminated. The correlation between recruiting success and on-field results has never been higher for this program.

The 2025 cycle must continue 2024’s success for Wisconsin’s standing in the conference to rise.

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An updated look at Wisconsin football’s highest NIL player valuations

Wisconsin football returns to the field for spring practice in late March.

It is then that we’ll get a first glimpse at some of the Badgers’ newcomers, including former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, former Oklahoma running back Tawee Walker and former Arkansas linebacker Jaheim Thomas.

The spring period promises to be an active one after Wisconsin’s disappointing 7-6 campaign. Improvements are needed on both sides of the football as the program prepares to face one of the conference’s toughest schedules.

Before football itself returns, it’s time to check in on the latest name, image and likeness valuations for Wisconsin’s top players.

On3’s NIL valuation algorithm is based on four factors: on-field performance, social media influence, general exposure and data of existing NIL deals.

Below are On3’s top 10 NIL valuations on the 2024 Wisconsin Badgers:

(Remember, these are only valuations and not reported or confirmed NIL deals or numbers)

An updated look at Wisconsin’s 2024 coaching staff after its latest hire

Wisconsin football completed its 2024 coaching staff Thursday with the hire of defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow.

The move was required after former defensive line coach Greg Scruggs left for the same position at Michigan. It was an offseason of similar turnover across the coaching staff, as wide receivers coach Mike Brown moved laterally to Notre Dame and safeties coach Colin Hitschler the same to Alabama.

Luke Fickell then hired Kenny Guiton and the controversial Alex Grinch to fill those respective positions.

So, the Badgers coaching staff is now set with spring practice nearly one month away. Here is the updated look at Fickell’s 2024 staff after the hire of Whitlow:

Wisconsin social media weighs in on what makes Badger football so special

What’s your favorite thing about Wisconsin Badgers football?

College football is a special sport. It, in a large way, is the only reason this website and our network exist.

It’s hard to explain to a non-college football fan what the atmosphere the sport creates is like. It’s inherently different from the professional game, which is what makes it so special. The hundreds of intricacies would take hours to explain, and then years for people to fully come to understand.

That said, there is a lot of hand-wringing these days about the state of college football and college athletics as a whole. There’s concern about NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, gigantic television deals and a future that nobody can accurately predict.

But all of those issues seem to go away when the ball is kicked off every Saturday afternoon or evening, especially when the Wisconsin Badgers are on one of the sidelines. That’s the beauty of the sport.

So, to dig into this, we posted the following on our Facebook page after CBS Sports’ Josh Pate did the same with the sport as a whole:

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Here are some of the best responses: