Tag: Will Pauling

Wisconsin star wide receiver shines in loss to Alabama

Wisconsin star wide receiver shines against Alabama in loss

Not many aspects of Wisconsin’s performance in its 42-10 home loss to No. 4 Alabama on Saturday require applause.

The offense couldn’t find consistency, the defense suffered lapses and the talent gap was quite evident.

One player, however, delivered a signature performance in front of a national television audience and packed house at Camp Randall Stadium. Wide receiver Will Pauling, UW’s leading pass-catcher in 2023, showed up to the occasion.

The Chicago, Illinois native finished with a game-leading nine catches for 83 receiving yards and a touchdown. To put the output into context, UW wide receiver Vinny Anthony II finished with two catches, the second most for Wisconsin on the afternoon.

Pauling served as somewhat of a safety blanket for second-year Badger quarterback Braedyn Locke after Wisconsin’s starter Tyler Van Dyke exited the game with a knee injury.

Pauling showcased his ability as a pass-catcher during both horizontal and vertical schemes. He also found the end zone on a fourth-down play late in the third quarter to give the Badgers their lone touchdown of the contest.

Here’s the play:

Prior to the game vs. Alabama, Pauling reeled 10 total catches for 118 total receiving yards in the first two weeks of the season. He is undoubtedly Wisconsin’s most dependable playmaker in the pass game and will likely lead the team in targets, catches and receiving yards in 2024.

With Van Dyke out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, the relatively inexperienced Locke will surely lean on Pauling to create on the offensive end. His next opportunity awaits on Sept. 28 vs. the USC Trojans in Los Angeles.

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.

13 Wisconsin Badgers crack 2025 Senior Bowl watch list

13 Wisconsin Badgers crack 2025 Senior Bowl watch list

13 Wisconsin Badgers cracked the 2025 Senior Bowl watch list on Wednesday.

The 12th annual list includes 859 prospects from 180 programs across the country. The number usually dwindles to 110 players at the annual Feb. 1 contest in Mobile, Alabama, the home of the University of South Alabama.

On the offensive side, Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, wide receiver Will Pauling and running Chez Mellusi made the cut. Offensive linemen Jack Nelson, Joe Huber, Riley Mahlhan and Jake Renfro also represent UW’s offensive line on the list.

Defensively, linebacker Jaheim Thomas, outside linebacker John Pius, defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., defensive back RJ Delancy III, safety Hunter Wohler and cornerback Ricardo Hallman were listed as well.

Historically, the game format rosters its participants regionally into North and South teams. Since 2021, the bowl moved to American and National team designations with coaching staffs typically handpicked from two lower-ranked NFL teams.

Serving as somewhat of a post-season college football all-star bout, the Senior Bowl aims to showcase NFL Draft prospects who have finalized their college eligibility. NFL Network will broadcast the battle this winter.

Wisconsin WR Will Pauling: ‘We have so much depth in our [wide receiver] room’

Wisconsin star wideout Will Pauling is optimistic about the depth of talent in the Badgers’ wide receiver room entering 2024.

Wisconsin star wideout Will Pauling is optimistic about the depth of talent in the Badgers’ wide receiver room entering 2024.

The former Cincinnati transfer expressed his excitement to Big Ten Network during its recent feature on the Badgers.

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

“We got a lot of guys in our receiver room that are going to make a lot of plays for us this year,” Pauling said. “Guys like Bryson Green, big-bodied guys that can go up and make jump ball plays. And obviously you got guys on the side like myself, and a kid named Trech Kekahuna who I think is going to turn a lot of heads this year.”

The rising junior continued to applaud the group’s talent, focusing on those who are set to step forward after playing reserve roles in the room last season.

“From top to bottom, I just think we have so much depth in our room,” Pauling continued. “Like I said, it all goes back to that confidence. We got a lot of guys that were here last year that are going to only grow from what they did last year, and do some big things for us this year.”

These comments notably come from Wisconsin’s unquestioned leader at the position. Pauling paced the team with 837 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2023, numbers that should only increase in 2024 with the Badgers offense set for a substantial improvement.

It is easy to see where his sentiment is coming from.

Wisconsin returns both him and Green, two of the team’s top options from 2023 who should both see increased targets with the offseason departures of Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell. They quietly form one of the better duos in the Big Ten entering the season.

Returning contributors also include C.J. Williams, Trech Kekahuna, Quincy Burroughs and Vinny Anthony — all players who are set for big steps forward after gaining valuable experience last season.

That group is then supplemented by transfers Joseph Griffin Jr. (Boston College) and Tyrell Henry (Michigan State), two players with proven production at the college level.

Phil Longo’s air raid offensive attack utilizes a collection of players at wide receiver. That is a significant separation from the program’s old pro-style attack, which would only see two or three receivers lead the room in snaps and targets.

Wisconsin could go seven or eight-deep at the position in 2024. According to Pauling, the receiver room is well-equipped to handle that workload.

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

WATCH: Highlight of Wisconsin WR Will Pauling in EA Sports College Football 25

WATCH: Highlight of Wisconsin WR Will Pauling in EA Sports College Football 25

Wisconsin football showcased Will Pauling reaching the end zone in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game on Tuesday.

In the video, Wisconsin’s starting wide receiving lines up in the slot, receives a pass from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, and evades a Nebraska defensive back for a 23-yard score at UW’s Camp Randall Stadium.

After Pauling dives into the end zone, the virtual Camp Randall crowd goes crazy as the iconic “On, Wisconsin!” anthem rings in the background. Pauling then goes on to nod his head multiple times before hitting the Heisman Trophy celebration and being greeted by teammates.

At an 86 OVR, Pauling is among Wisconsin’s highest-ranked offensive players in the upcoming video game. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (83 OVR), running back Chez Mellusi (84 OVR) left tackle Jack Nelson (87 OVR) and right tackle Riley Mahlman (87 OVR) landed near Pauling in the overall ratings.

Even with the clip lasting just 16 seconds, the video allows fans to immerse themselves in what a typical game experience feels like in Madison. The hyper-realistic graphics and accompanying sound allows fans to grasp what using the Badgers will feel like when the game releases worldwide on July 19.

LOOK: Wisconsin’s EA Sports College Football 25 menu screen revealed

LOOK: Wisconsin’s EA Sports College Football 25 menu screen revealed

Former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen showcased Wisconsin’s menu screen on the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game via Instagram on Sunday.

Over the last few weeks, bits and pieces of game preview have reached Badger faithful via social media. It’s safe to say anticipation is bubbling prior to the video game’s public release on July 19.

The loading screen, courtesy of the freshly-minted New York Jet, includes visuals of Bucky Badger, wide receiver Will Pauling and several Wisconsin sports symbols embedded throughout the right side of the screen. A giant ‘Motion W’ flag, Wisconsin’s logo and a faded Camp Randall background are also visible.

Since it remains unavailable to a majority of Badger enthusiasts, any behind the scenes content surrounding EA Sports College Football 25 is considered noteworthy to a bevy of Wisconsin gridiron fanatics throughout the nation.

Yesterday, popular YouTube creator UserLurk showcased Chez Mellusi scoring a 70-yard touchdown against Iowa. In late June, a teaser trailer featured Wisconsin and Minnesota’s battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Overall, fans are certainly excited to play with the Badgers on their big screens.

LOOK: Behind the scenes of Wisconsin’s team video shoot

LOOK: Behind the scenes of Wisconsin’s team video shoot

Wisconsin football had its team video shoot for the 2024 season earlier this week.

The shoot is for the production of NBC, CBS and Fox’s television broadcasts. When NBC runs its fancy intro package with players posing in dramatic lighting, it’s from this preseason video shoot.

Related: Big Ten Football Power Index Rankings for 2024: Which teams are underrated, overrated?

The Wisconsin football social media team was all over it this week, sharing clips and highlights from the shoot. Its main event was a nearly two-minute video following star wide receiver Will Pauling.

Here is that video in its entirety, plus some of the best clips shared on Wisconsin football social media:

 

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Wisconsin cracks top 30 of Pro Football Focus 2024 college football power rankings

Wisconsin in the top 30 of latest Pro Football Focus power rankings

Pro Football Focus released their latest power rankings for the upcoming 2024 college football season this week. Wisconsin fell at No. 30 in the service’s ranking.

PFF’s metrics specifically give the Badgers a projected win total of 7.5, an 81.74% chance to make a bowl game, a 5.72% chance to win the Big Ten and a 1.22% chance to win the national championship.

2024 will be Wisconsin’s second season under the guidance of head coach Luke Fickell and his staff in Madison after the program went 7-6 in his first season in 2023, capped off with a loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl to LSU.

Notable departures from the team following the season included running back Braelon Allen (New York Jets), interior offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini (Indianapolis Colts), as well as quarterback Tanner Mordecai (San Francisco 49ers), wide receiver Chimere Dike (Florida Gators) and linebacker Maema Njongmeta (Cincinnati Bengals).

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With transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Miami-FL) joining the Badgers ahead of his final season of eligibility and familiar faces like running back Chez Mellusi and wide receiver Will Pauling returning, Phil Longo’s offense is expected to take a step forward in 2024.

On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Tressel’s unit struggled to get to the quarterback in 2023. Its rate should improve in 2024 with the additions of Leon Lowery (Syracuse) and John Pius (William & Mary). Returning stars Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman, then, are expected to hold down the secondary.

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Luke Fickell’s squad will have a particularly difficult schedule in 2024, including a non-conference matchup with Alabama (home) and contests with new Big Ten foes USC (road) and Oregon (home). If the Badgers can pull off some notable wins, they could easily outperform their position PFF’s current power rankings.

Five Wisconsin Badgers given preseason All-Big Ten honors by Phil Steele

Five Wisconsin Badgers given preseason All-Big Ten honors by Phil Steele

Five Wisconsin Badgers were included among Phil Steele’s preseason All-Big Ten teams in his recently-published 2024 college football preview magazine.

Zero of those players made Steele’s All-Big Ten first team. Star safety Hunter Wohler was the lone representative on the second team, star cornerback Ricardo Hallman was the one Badger to make the third team and the trio of WR Will Pauling, OG Joe Huber and OT Riley Mahlman all earned fourth-team honors.

Related: Wisconsin class of 2025 vaults up national rankings after addition of four-star WR Eugene Hilton Jr.

Wohler, Hallman and Pauling are Wisconsin’s most accomplished returning players on defense and offensive respectively. All three are coming off big 2023 seasons with the Badgers. Wohler led the team with 120 tackles, Hallman recorded a whopping seven interceptions and Pauling led Phil Longo’s offense with 74 catches and 837 receiving yards.

That trio should again set the stage for the team’s success this season.

Huber and Mahlman, meanwhile, anchor an offensive line that underwhelmed last season. Both are expected to lead a resurgent season for the offensive line, though cannot do so with strong play from left tackle Jack Nelson, left guard Joe Brunner and center Jake Renfro. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nelson joins that top duo in all-Big Ten contention.

Notable Wisconsin players omitted from Steele’s four teams include kicker Nathanial Vakos, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, running back Chez Mellusi and linebacker Jake Chaney. Those players figure to be a big reason why things will turn around for the 2024 Badgers — that obviously if they do.

Ohio State leads Steele’s All-Big Ten teams with seven inclusions. Next is Michigan with five, then Iowa, Minnesota and Oregon with three.

Wisconsin ranks No. 9 in Steele’s preseason Big Ten forecast. He sees progress from the 2024 Badgers, though the schedule will be difficult to manage.

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

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Wisconsin omitted from PFF’s ranking of college football’s top wide receiver corps for 2024

PFF is not high on the Badgers wide receiver corps in 2024:

The Wisconsin Badgers were left out of ProFootballFocus’ recent ranking of college football’s top wide receiver corps entering the 2024 season.

The list comprised of Oregon, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Miami, Colorado, LSU and Oklahoma.

Related: Where every Big Ten team ranks in ESPN’s 2024 College Football Power Index

The end-of-season rankings may reconsider the omission of the Badgers.

Luke Fickell’s program enters the season with one of the more exciting wide receiver corps in the country, led by rising star Will Pauling, established veteran Bryson Green and a host of promising underclassmen.

The returning production from 2023 does not tell the entire story. Pauling led the team in receptions with 74 and receiving yards with 837, but he was followed by Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell — both players who entered the transfer portal at the conclusion of the season.

That means the 2024 outlook includes a top-of-the-line talent in Pauling, an under-the-radar NFL prospect in Green and numerous snaps to go around to C.J. Williams, Joseph Griffin (transfer), Tyrell Henry (transfer), Quincy Burroughs, Trech Kekahuna and others.

There is no debating the top-end talent on Oregon, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Texas’ rosters. But the Badgers could rival those teams’ passing game production if all clicks in year two under offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

This is an article worth bookmarking for a post-2024 season revisit. I’d pick the Badgers to surprise many and enter the next edition of these rankings.

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

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