The Wisconsin Badgers have wrapped up their spring football program, unveiling a retooled roster that integrates numerous new faces across the board. While the team made sweeping adjustments in certain position groups, others—such as the offensive line and running backs—remained largely intact. Notably, the backfield is taking on a younger identity, built around three freshmen recruits from 2024: Darrion Dupree, Dilin Jones, and Gideon Ituka. Though lacking in experience, this youthful trio is expected to become the offensive engine of the team in the upcoming season.
On the offensive line, the Badgers faced a transitional moment after the departure of key veterans Jack Nelson and Joe Huber. However, they retained core starters Joe Brunner, Jake Renfro, and Riley Mahlman, which offers some continuity heading into 2025. Younger linemen, drawn from the program’s recent strong recruiting classes, are anticipated to fill the gaps and step into starting roles. These developing athletes will be crucial as Wisconsin looks to maintain its traditionally solid line play.
A major setback struck during spring ball when promising offensive lineman Kevin Heywood suffered a torn ACL, ruling him out for the season. Heywood, a standout recruit and projected starter, was pivotal to Wisconsin’s plans for the offensive front. His injury left a significant void, especially at the tackle position, prompting the team to consider redshirt junior Leyton Nelson, a Vanderbilt transfer. Unfortunately, Nelson’s early performances exposed vulnerabilities, particularly against high-level edge rushers, as he consistently surrendered pressure in pass protection.
Facing uncertainty at left tackle, Wisconsin turned to the spring transfer portal and secured Central Michigan’s Davis Heinzen, a seasoned multi-year starter. Heinzen’s arrival could prove to be decisive in addressing Wisconsin’s greatest question for 2025: can the team achieve reliable protection from the blind side? The Badgers also evaluated shifting Joe Brunner to tackle, though doing so might compromise the strength of their interior line—an area they had hoped to lean on this season.
In general, targeting starting-caliber talent in the spring portal reflects unanticipated roster instability. For Wisconsin, however, the need was urgent and the move essential. With a run-heavy scheme under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, the Badgers’ success hinges on solid offensive line play—particularly at left tackle. Whether Heinzen can step in effectively will likely define the trajectory of the team’s offense in 2025.