Wisconsin Football: 3 Takeaways From Badgers Spring Practice

Spring football has come and gone for the Wisconsin football program. The Badgers will next take the field for fall camp in early August. There is a good mixture of returning players from last year’s team and new faces to the roster. On paper, this team should be better record wise than they were last season.

Throughout spring practices, here were my biggest takeaways.

Wisconsin Football QB Competition Far From Over

Early in the transfer portal, Wisconsin football landed Miami (FL) quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. This will be Van Dyke’s last year of eligibility. Initially, it seemed like the job was locked up and this was Van Dyke’s team.

However, over the course of spring practices, redshirt sophomore Brayden Locke appeared to close in on the competition. At one point, both quarterbacks were splitting first team reps.

Locke also had familiarity with this team and offense. He appeared in five games last season and made three starts. You could see the potential he had despite being a young player.

Based on media members who have attended practices, it appears Van Dyke had a stronger finish. I would be shocked if it was not Van Dyke starting the first game, but this seems to be Locke’s job beginning in 2025.

Wisconsin Football Linebacker Room Is Loaded

Luke Fickell made it clear he was going to be aggressive at linebacker int he transfer portal. He was successful at that and then some. Wisconsin football landed Sebastian Cheeks, Leon Lowery, Jaheim Thomas, Tackett Curtis, and John Pius.

Players like Pius and Lowery were all over the field in spring and making plays every practice. This is a defense that recorded just over two sacks a game last year. Add in Jake Chaney and Darryl Peterson and this is a loaded group that will likely play in rotations.

The Badgers RB3 Spot Appears to Be Open

Most years, we see Wisconsin football play three running backs over the course of a game. We already know Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker will split carries and be the 1-2 options.

It seems like the third running back could come down to Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli. I thought at least one of these two would transfer, but that was not the case. Acker has more experience and shoed flashes at times last year. On the other hand, Yacamelli is more athletic and a back that fits Phil Longo’s offense better.

This could be a by-committee option since they are two different style backs, but I would give the edge to Yacamelli since Acker and Walker and similar backs.

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