Tag: Trech Kekahuna

Wisconsin wide receiver earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

Wisconsin wide receiver earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday.

The honor comes just two days after Kekahuna torched the Purdue Boilermakers in UW’s 52-6 win at Camp Randall. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native accumulated six receptions for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win before a jam-packed home crowd.

According to Wisconsin assistant director of brand communications Nate Jelinek, Kekahuna is the first Wisconsin wide receiver to earn a weekly conference distinction since 2008 (David Gilreath).

As if that weren’t enough, Kekahuna was the only Big Ten player to tally 100+ yards and a touchdown in Week 6. That’s in a conference featuring Oregon’s Tez Johnson, USC’s Zachariah Branch, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Kekahuna’s most memorable play came early in the third quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke laced a ball over the middle of the field for a 69-yard touchdown strike to push Wisconsin’s lead to 28-6. He averaged over 22 yards per catch on Saturday, an indication of the type of downfield damage he can inflict on opposing defenses in the coming weeks.

The 5-foot-10 pass-catcher will look to build off his monumental day against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 12. The contest will serve as an excellent opportunity for Locke to lean on his playmakers before Wisconsin’s schedule turns challenging in late October and November.

Best photos from Wisconsin’s dominant win over Purdue Boilermakers

Photo gallery from Wisconsin’s dominant win over Purdue Boilermakers

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated Purdue 52-6 on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium. It was the team’s 18th consecutive victory against their Big Ten rival and the largest margin of victory in the series’ history.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke completed 20 of 31 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing two interceptions. He became the first Wisconsin QB to throw for more than 300 yards in a Big Ten game since Joel Stave in 2015.

On the receiving end, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna had himself a day, reeling in six catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including a 69-yard score in the third quarter. Vinny Anthony also added a touchdown through the air, scoring with a 52-yard catch and run in the first half.

The Badgers’ dominance wasn’t only through the air, however, as the team also combined for 228 rushing yards on 41 carries. Tawee Walker led the way with 19 totes for 94 yards and three touchdowns, securing his second straight multi-touchdown performance.

The Badgers will look to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to face Rutgers in Piscataway on Saturday in Week 7. In the meantime, here are some of the best photos from Wisconsin’s big win:

Wisconsin wide receiver explodes for career-best performance in win over Purdue

Wisconsin wide receiver explodes for career-best performance in win over Purdue

Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna posted his career-best output vs. the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.

Kekahuna, who had recorded four receptions for 42 yards through his first four appearances of the 2024 campaign, shined with six receptions for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 52-6 victory at Camp Randall Stadium.

His most impressive sequence arrived with roughly 12 minutes to spare in the third quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke found the speedster for a 13-yard catch in the middle of the field. Kekahuna turned the snag into a 69-yard touchdown and extended Wisconsin’s lead to 28-6.

Kekahuna paced all Badger pass-catchers in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns on the day. Part of his contribution was a product of Purdue’s weak secondary and an early injury to star wide receiver Will Pauling. But Kekahuna’s ability to create yards in open space should be utilized for the remainder of the season.

The Honolulu, Hawaii, native first flashed his offensive brilliance in Wisconsin’s final contest of 2023. Kekahuna recorded four catches for 64 yards when the Badgers squared off against LSU on Jan. 1, 2024, in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He is now showing further signs of growth in 2024.

Kekahuna and Wisconsin will continue its season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Wisconsin reaches home game scoring milestone in win vs. Purdue

Wisconsin reaches home game scoring milestone in win vs Purdue

Wisconsin football recorded its most points in a Big Ten home game since 2014 in its 52-6 victory over Purdue on Saturday.

The last time UW surpassed the 52-point mark at home came against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2014 (59 points). Former UW running back legend Melvin Gordon recorded an FBS-record 408 rushing yards in the triumph. At the time, Nebraska held the No. 16 ranking in the country while Wisconsin boasted the Associated Press’ No. 20 position in the nation’s hierarchy.

The Badgers absolutely dominated the Boilermakers on both the offensive and defensive end in the blowout home victory. The win marks UW’s 18th consecutive triumph over Purdue and the most points against the Boilermakers since the Badgers’ 62-point output in 2011.

Wisconsin accumulated 597 combined passing and rushing yards on the day. Quarterback Braedyn Locke threw for 359 passing yards and three touchdowns on the day, and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna reeled in a career-best six passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Tawee Walker also led Wisconsin’s backfield with 94 rushing yards three touchdowns. He, alongside Dilin Jones, Cade Yacamelli, Darrion Dupree and Gideon Ituka, accounted for 234 rushing yards behind a sturdy offensive line.

While Purdue is far from the Big Ten’s best, the output is a big victory for the Badgers following a 38-21 debacle against the USC Trojans a weekend ago. The team will continue its journey towards bowl season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Oct. 12.

WATCH: Wisconsin WR Trech Kekahuna breaks away for 69-yard touchdown vs. Purdue

WATCH: Wisconsin WR Trech Kekahuna breaks away for 69-yard touchdown vs. Purdue

Wisconsin is on its way to its third win of the 2024 season, and first in Big Ten play. The Badgers currently lead the Purdue Boilermakers 28-6 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

While the score discrepancy is significant, Wisconsin has not played the cleanest game thus far. QB Braedyn Locke has thrown two interceptions — takeaways became Purdue’s first and second of the season, respectively.

But the Badgers have dominated in the red zone with two touchdowns on two possessions. Purdue, meanwhile, has kicked field goals on each of its two red zone trips.

One other big difference between the two teams is explosive plays. Wisconsin has connected on two explosive touchdowns, one to Vinny Anthony and another to redshirt freshman Trech Kekahuna.

Kekahuna’s touchdown is the highlight of the afternoon thus far. Wisconsin’s offensive line gave Locke hours to find an open receiver, which he did. The speedster Kekahuna then did the rest:

Locke is 12 for 21 passing on the afternoon for 216 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Kekahuna leads the way with five receptions, 109 yards and the one touchdown.

Wisconsin is looking to hold onto its first victory since defeating South Dakota 27-13 back on Sept. 7.

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How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

Wisconsin wide receivers Will Pauling, Trech Kekahuna and Bryson Green led the charge for UW’s wide receiver room vs. Western Michigan on Friday.

The three wideouts combined for 13 catches, 133 yards and a two-point conversion during the Week 1 victory against the Broncos at Camp Randall.

As a whole, Wisconsin’s offense was inconsistent throughout the entire match. Facing a 14-13 deficit early in the fourth quarter, UW appeared almost lethargic.

Nonetheless, its three main pass-catching cogs made a handful of plays to help ignite its offense when needed.

Pauling, who entered this season as UW’s No. 1 option at wide receiver, finished with a game-best six catches for 60 yards. He served as Tyler Van Dyke’s safety valve throughout the entire contest and showcased his ability to gain yards after the catch during much of the second half.

Green, Wisconsin’s long range pass-catching threat, registered four catches for 39 yards during the first half. Kekahuna, meanwhile, secured three catches for 34 yards and a timely two-point conversion to push UW ahead 21-14 in the fourth quarter.

Even though the counting stats appear somewhat respectable, Wisconsin’s run game did most of the damage on offense. For a unit committed to an air-raid scheme, the Badgers will need to lean on their playmakers if they wish to compete against Alabamas Oregons Penn State and USC this season.

Luckily for Van Dyke, this trio is more than capable when given the opportunity. Pauling is arguably as quick as any slot receiver in the conference, Green can snag jump balls with his 6’3” frame and Kekahuna knows how to maneuver his way open in the middle of the field.

UW plays its second game of the season against the University of South Dakota on Sept. 7 at Camp Randall.

LOOK: Wisconsin wide receiver to switch to single-digits number for 2024 season

LOOK: Wisconsin wide receiver to switch to single-digits number for 2024 season

Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna will switch his jersey number from No. 12 to No. 2 this fall, per his recent Instagram post.

The speedster, who appeared in one contest a season ago, is listed as Wisconsin’s No. 2 slot receiver behind star pass-catcher Will Pauling.

Kekahuna’s showcased his ceiling during his limited game action in 2023. As a freshman, the Hawaii native burst onto the scene with four catches and 64 receiving yards in Wisconsin’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU. Keep in mind, it was his first game action as a true freshman.

What’s more, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg recently named Kekahuna one of college football’s top sleeper picks for the 2024 season. Given Wisconsin’s air-raid offensive system, Kekahuna could excel as Pauling did during his 2023 breakout campaign.

The former three-star recruit initially offered his pledge to UW in 2022 when Paul Chryst manned the sidelines for the Badgers. He decommitted during the coaching change but ultimately recommitted to play under Luke Fickell.

With a handful of nationally-televised contests looming on the horizon, including a Sept. 14 match against Alabama on Fox, Kekahuna can zoom down the middle of the field in his freshly-minted No. 2 jersey this season. With potential to become one of the more devastating offensive weapons under offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s disposal, it’s a name and number to remember during Badger watch parties this campaign.

Wisconsin wide receiver listed among ESPN top sleeper picks for 2024 season

Who is the Badgers biggest sleeper entering the 2024 season?

Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna was included in ESPN’s top sleeper picks for the 2024 college football season on Thursday.

Kekahuna made a notable splash for UW as a redshirt freshman in 2023. In his one appearance, the Hawaii native showcased his potential with four catches and 64 receiving yards in Wisconsin’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU.

The former three-star recruit originally committed to Wisconsin back in 2022 when Paul Chryst was head coach. He decommitted as the Badgers underwent a coaching change, though went on to commit to Luke Fickell’s class once the dust had settled.

The electric playmaker enters 2024 as the Badgers’ No. 2 slot receiver behind star Will Pauling. As Pauling has already shown, that position can have a substantial impact in OC Phil Longo’s air raid offense.

“Wisconsin seeks a big jump in production from its Air Raid-style offense in Year 2 of the Luke Fickell regime. The Badgers saw Will Pauling emerge as a top receiver in 2023, and they expect Kekahuna to help in the slot role,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg writes. “A broken bone in Kekahuna’s foot limited him early in his true freshman season, but he played in the final five games and recorded all of his receiving production against LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl…He could also be a factor on returns.”

The 5-foot-10 receiver also enters his second season in Madison with an endorsement from star safety Hunter Wohler. On Wisconsin’s Big Ten media day availability, the DB said this of Kekahuna:

““I think he’s going to be a standout this year, and I think he’s going to put the world on notice that he’s here. He’s going to make a lot of plays for us,” Wohler said.”

Given Wisconsin’s air-raid offensive focus, Kekahuna is certainly positioned to make some splashes in space this fall. He will receive his fist opportunity on UW’s Aug. 30 home opener.

Wisconsin electric freshman playmaker reportedly Badgers’ top punt returner

Wisconsin electric freshman playmaker reportedly team’s No. 1 punt returner

Wisconsin dynamic redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna told reporters on Friday that he’s currently the Badgers’ No. 1 punt returner entering the 2024 season.

Kekahuna also projects to play a significant role in Wisconsin’s passing game. He is technically the backup to star slot receiver Will Pauling, though is sure to still see a solid share of snaps.

Related: Updated Big Ten football power rankings entering fall training camp

The redshirt freshman appeared in one game in 2023 — Wisconsin’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU. He flashed his potential in the contest, catching four passes for 64 receiving yards.

Kekahuna joined the program as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023, ranked as the No. 487 player in the class and No. 67 wide receiver. He was originally committed to the class while Paul Chryst was still the head coach, decommitted later in the cycle, then committed again after Luke Fickell’s arrival.

Chimere Dike and Vinny Anthony split the Badgers punt return duties in 2023. Dike transferred to Florida this offseason, while Anthony remains in the room for his junior season. The two combined to average 9.19 yards per punt — a mark Wisconsin hopes Kekahuna can easily surpass.

Wisconsin’s current philosophy revolves around getting the football into the hands of its best playmakers in space. While punt returns are not schemed touches, they do fit the loose criteria explained. Kekahuna is one of the more exciting playmakers entering the 2024 season and should find ways to impact the games, one way or another.

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Q&A with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna

Q&A with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna

The Wisconsin Badgers football team wrapped up their spring camp last week and one of the standouts of the 15 practice sessions was wide receiver Trech Kekahuna.

Kekahuna is coming off of a 2023 true freshman campaign where he played in the final five contests, though he only recorded any stats in the team’s 35-31 loss to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl. In that game, he secured four receptions for 64 yards.

The wide receiver was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals and a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN coming out of high school in Hawaii (later Las Vegas) as a member of the class of 2022.

Many believe he’s in for a big season alongside Will Pauling as a slot receiver in Phil Longo’s offense this season and he answered a few “get to know you” questions last week.

For a guy with lightning quick feet, Kekahuna is a guy you’d think played soccer at some point, saying this about his background in that sport, “people think that I can play soccer, I can juggle the ball for like an hour. I’ve never played soccer.”

In regards to his mentality ahead of the season, he said it’s a “hunt or be hunted mindset” out their on the field.

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