National Media Outlet Predicts Wisconsin Football Breakout Candidate

Despite playing in just five games last year, Trech Kekahuna showed glimpses of what will make him a star next year with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Kekahuna, named a rising star by 247Sports, saw the field in just five games last year, and caught four passes for 64 yards in the ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with LSU. This game showed a glimmer of the endless possibilities Kekahuna brings to Phil Longo’s pass-heavy offense.

The 5-foot-10 receiver originally came into Madison as the fourth slot receiver on the depth chart. However, the departures of Skyler Bell and Chimere Dike led to some shuffling in the Wide Receiver group. The talented freshman ended up second in the depth chart and took full advantage of his 20 offensive snaps.

Kekahuna tallied his four catches for 67 yards alongside a 37-yard kickoff return, exemplifying his explosiveness. The young pass catcher received an 89.5 grade from PFF this game, the highest grade for this Wisconsin Badgers offense.

Wisconsin Football Receiver Looks to be Explosive Weapon

Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (12) catches a pass during the first half against the LSU Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Kekahuna’s journey to Wisconsin was slightly unconventional. The Hawaii native initially committed to the Wisconsin football program under Paul Chryst, and subsequently de-committed after Chryst’s dismissal. Kekahuna proceeded to commit to Arizona, before flipping back to Luke Fickell’s Wisconsin Badgers on signing day.

The wideout tallied 61 catches for 1,330 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior season at high school powerhouse Bishop Gorman. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo will look to utilize the explosive tools Kekahuna brings to this Wisconsin football team.

While only playing in five games last season, Kekahuna and the Badgers were able to utilize the freshman’s redshirt year, leaving him with four years of eligibility still. This is big news for a Wisconsin Badgers offense that used Kekahuna as a downfield threat in the bowl game.

Kekahuna was able to force a missed tackle during his longest catch of 24 yards, and led the Badgers in yards per route run at 3.56. These talents, especially after catch, will help Luke Fickell transition this Wisconsin football team to a more modern passing offense.

The talented freshman has the fortune of playing in veteran coordinator Phil Longo‘s offense. While acting as offensive coordinator under Mack Brown at North Carolina, Longo’s offense ranked first in the ACC in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total offense. An explosive slot threat like Kekahuna will allow Longo to be creative and explosive in his offensive play calls.

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