Tag: Wisconsin football news

Wisconsin lands a commitment from 2024 three-star CB Austin Alexander

Wisconsin football secures its first verbal commitment in the 2024 recruiting class:

Madison, Wis. – On Monday, just a few weeks removed from an unofficial visit to Madison, Jim Leonhard and his coaching staff received their first verbal commitment in the 2024 recruiting cycle from three-star cornerback Austin Alexander out of Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Per the 247Sports recruiting rankings, he’s the No. 49 CB in the country and the No. 14 player in Illinois. 

For Alexander, an under-the-radar prospect, Wisconsin was his only division-one offer, although he reportedly received interest from Miami (Ohio), Illinois, Iowa State, and Northern Illinois. 

According to MaxPreps, the 6-foot-1, 165-pound defensive back totaled 49 tackles, seven interceptions, and a defensive touchdown for Marian Catholic High School in Illinois.

You can watch his HUDL film here. 

There is plenty of upside in Alexander’s game, leaving some to suggest he has yet to scratch the surface of his potential. He has good length, ball skills, and projectable size for the next level.

The Illinois native announced his verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin on social media:

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Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 defensive players from the win over Purdue

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s victory over Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus:

Madison, Wis. – In his first home game as interim head coach, Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten), who were one-and-a-half point favorites, took care of business, winning 35-24 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Against Purdue, the Wisconsin Badgers’ defense was missing some pretty important tools from its toolbox – but in the end, it didn’t matter.

Outside linebacker Nick Herbig didn’t play, and nose tackle Keeanu Benton was on a pitch count – but the defense as a whole found a way to slow down one of the Big Ten’s best offenses.

In total, UW allowed 431 total yards on 5.5 yards per play and won the turnover battle, forcing O’Connell to throw three interceptions on the day – one of which was a pick-six returned by safety John Torchio for a touchdown.

Inside linebacker play has been a real question mark so far this season, but I thought Maema Njongmeta and Jordan Turner played one of their best games as a pairing – which made a significant difference.

The Jewelry Thief stole the show on homecoming weekend, registering 10 tackles, two interceptions, a pass deflection, and a touchdown.

Here’s a look at the five highest-graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s victory over Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus.

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from the win over Purdue

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s victory over Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus:

Madison, Wis. – In his first home game as interim head coach, Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten), who were one-and-a-half point favorites, took care of business, winning 35-24 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After riding the struggle bus against Michigan State, Wisconsin’s offense bounced back, registering 381 total yards (203 passing, 178 rushing) on an impressive 7.6 yards per play.

Bobby Engram and company displayed a disciplined, yet balanced, offensive attack – which was highly encouraging. 

Led by standout offensive performances from Graham Mertz, Braelon Allen, Isaac Guerendo, and Skyler Bell, the Badgers made a point to get the ball to its playmakers – and beat down a good Purdue football team as a result. 

Here’s a look at the five highest-graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s victory over Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Purdue Boilermakers game recap: Everything we know

Wisconsin #Badgers vs. Purdue Boilermakers game recap:

Madison, Wis. – In his first home game as interim head coach, Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten), who were one-and-a-half point favorites, took care of business, winning 35-24 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Wisconsin lost the time of possession battle, had less total yardage, and had more penalties than Purdue.

If I had told you that tidbit of information before the game began, I’m not sure anyone would have believed UW would convincingly win that game, but that’s exactly what happened – extending Wisconsin’s streak to 16 straight victories over Purdue.

After riding the struggle bus against Michigan State, Wisconsin’s offense bounced back, registering 381 total yards (203 passing, 178 rushing) on an impressive 7.6 yards per play.

Wisconsin’s defense allowed 431 yards but made several timely stops and showed flashes of a unit beginning to make some strides.

This game was a line drawn in the sand by the Wisconsin Badgers. A loss would have meant a bowl game was in serious doubt, but a win leaves the door open to a strong finish.

Here’s a recap of Wisconsin’s home victory over the Purdue Boilermakers:

Wisconsin releases week 8 injury report for contest vs. Purdue

Eight players are ruled out, and seven others are listed as out for the season in Wisconsin’s injury report for week 8 vs. Purdue:

Madison, Wis. — On Monday, the University of Wisconsin released its official injury report ahead of its week eight matchup vs. the Purdue Boilermakers.

The unranked Wisconsin Badgers (3-4) are coming off a frustrating double-overtime loss at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans. 

Heading into week eight, UW has eight players ruled out due to injury against Purdue and seven others listed as out for the season.  

In a season of disarray, frustration, and underachieving, injuries have continued to ravage the Wisconsin Badgers. 

On the bright side, coach Leonhard mentioned that he expects starting right tackle Riley Mahlman, who has been injured since week one, to be back and available for Saturday’s contest vs. Purdue. 

UW will need as many healthy bodies on the field as possible this weekend as the Badgers look to turn things around and push for bowl eligibility.

Here is a look at Wisconsin football’s injury report for Week 8:

Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen reaches significant career milestone

Braelon Allen reached a significant career milestone this past weekend:

Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen has proven himself to be one of the best tailbacks in the country and is the latest standout in a long line of stars at RBU.

This past weekend, Allen carried the ball 29 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns; that rushing total helped the Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, native eclipse the 2,000-yard career rushing yards mark – a feat that he only needed 19 games to accomplish.

Allen became the fifth-quickest in program history to surpass that 2000-yard threshold, trailing only Ron Dayne (13), Jonathan Taylor (15), P.J. Hill (17), and Anthony Davis (18).

The 6-foot-2, 236-pound RB has carried the ball 133 times for 757 yards rushing and eight touchdowns through seven games and currently sits at 17th all-time in career rushing yards at Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin offers 2023 three-star WR Chance Fitzgerald

Wisconsin football offers a new 2023 three-star WR out of Tennessee:

Earlier this week, Jim Leonhard and his coaching staff extended a scholarship offer to 2023 three-star wide receiver Chance Fitzgerald out of Nolensville, Tennessee.

Per the 247Sports Composite, he’s the No. 501 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, the No. 67 WR in the country, and the No. 15 player in Tennessee.

The 6-foot-3, 184-pound WR currently holds 35 plus offers, most notably from Minnesota, Louisville, Auburn, Iowa, Houston, Michigan, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and several others.

You can watch his HUDL film here. 

The Tennessee native announced his scholarship offer from the University of Wisconsin via his Twitter account:

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Wisconsin WR/KR Stephan Bracey enters the transfer portal

A Wisconsin Badgers reserve WR/KR has entered his name into the Transfer Portal:

Madison, Wis.– On Monday afternoon, Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver/kick returner Stephan Bracey, whose been with the program for the past three seasons, announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. 

Bracey took to Twitter to announce his decision:

“First off, I would like to thank God and everyone in the Wisconsin football program for providing me the opportunity to play and create countless friendships and memories. With that being said, my family and I have decided to officially enter my name in the transfer portal and continue my academic and athletic career elsewhere.”

Per the 247Sports composite, Bracey was the No. 1,166 overall prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, the No. 130 WR in the country, and the No. 31 player in Michigan.

Allen, a former three-star prospect out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, appeared in five games for the Badgers, registering one catch for 11 yards and one carry for three yards. 

His most significant impact, however, was made as a kick returner, where he averaged 32.2-yards per return on six attempts in 2021. His most notable return came against Nebraska last season when he returned the opening kickoff for a 91-yard touchdown. 

An injury-plagued career and a crowded wide receiver room made a clean break make the most sense for both sides moving forward. 

Bracey is now the fourth player to enter the transfer portal since Paul Chryst was fired, joining Deacon Hill, Logan Brown, and Markus Allen.

The speedy return man, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is sure to have plenty of suitors interested in taking a chance on his athleticism. 

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Wisconsin WR Markus Allen enters the transfer portal

A Wisconsin Badgers reserve WR has entered his name into the Transfer Portal:

Madison, Wis.– Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Markus Allen, whose been with the program for the past two seasons, announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Sunday evening. 

Allen took to Twitter to announce his decision:

“First want to thank everyone in the Wisconsin Football program for everything they’ve done up to this point. For helping me academically and athletically form the strength staff all the way down to the trainers. Truly love the bonds I’ve made with he great people and the memories with brothers. Thank you Coach Chryst & the Coaching Staff for giving me an opportunity at the University of Wisconsin. With that being said I would like to announce that I have officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. With 3 years remaining of NCAA Eligibility.”

Per the 247Sports composite, Allen was the No. 380 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, the No. 61 WR in the country, and the No. 10 player in Ohio.

Allen, a former three-star prospect, appeared in eight games for the Badgers, registering 10 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown. 

With the 6-foot-1, 215-pound wideout leaving the program, he becomes the third player to enter the transfer portal since Paul Chryst was fired as head coach, joining Deacon Hill and Logan Brown, respectively. 

Allen had fallen behind Chimere Dike, Skyler Bell, and Keontez Lewis on the depth chart, making a clear path to playing time uncertain moving forward. 

The Ohio native has three years of eligibility remaining.

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Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 defensive players from loss to Michigan State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s loss to MSU, according to Pro Football Focus:

Interim head coach Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten), who were seven-and-a-half point favorites, failed to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, losing a 34-28 heartbreaker in overtime at Spartan Field on Saturday afternoon.

Wisconsin’s defense held up against the run, but overall it lacked identity. UW gave up seven plays of 20+ yards through the air and allowed 389 total yards of offense on 5.9 yards per play.

According to Pro Football Focus, the defense had 13 missed tackles – which has been a serious area of concern all season long.

Inside linebacker Maema Njongmeta turned in an impressive individual performance against Michigan State, registering 11 tackles, three pressures, and one pass deflection.

Wisconsin’s defense has talent but has noticeable warts and isn’t good enough to bail the program out when the offense stalls.

Here’s a look at the five highest-graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s loss to Michigan State, according to Pro Football Focus.