Wisconsin Football Among Top Programs in ESPN’s Returning Production Rankings

ESPN’s Bill Connelly recently released his college football returning production rankings, shedding some light on the outlook for all 134 teams ahead of the upcoming season. Among them, the Wisconsin Badgers football program secured the 20th spot nationally in returning production, supplying fans with potential hope for a bounce-back 2024 season. 

Big Ten Football Teams Returning Production Rankings:

1. Nebraska – 77%
2. Northwestern – 76%
3. Rutgers – 74%
T4. Minnesota – 71%
T4. Wisconsin – 71%
6. Penn State – 70%
T7. Oregon – 69%
T7. Iowa – 69%
9. Illinois – 62%
T10. Ohio State – 61%
T10. Michigan State – 61%
12.… pic.twitter.com/iIwcmNsGA6

— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) February 5, 2024

In Luke Fickell’s inaugural season at Wisconsin, the Badgers finished 7-6 overall (29th in SP+) and faced countless challenges as they navigated a shift in their offensive scheme—a lack of identity, if you will.

While the defense maintained its characteristic strength, at least according to the SP+ metric (finishing No. 7), their transition from a ground-and-pound approach to one emphasizing air raid concepts resulted in some bumps along the way.

The Badgers’ offensive struggles were particularly evident, with Wisconsin football ranking 86th in offensive SP+, marking its lowest ranking since 2004. For whatever it’s worth, I felt the defense also has its fair share of issues, but I digress. 

Despite the setbacks, the Badgers should produce a better on-field product next season. Connelly’s returning production rankings highlight the team’s 4th-place standing in the Big Ten, signaling a significant return of experience, trailing only Rutgers, Northwestern, and Nebraska. 

That continuity will be critical to lean on as the Wisconsin football team navigates a new-look Big Ten and a gauntlet schedule next season. 

Wisconsin Football Adding Portal Talent to Returning Production

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Notably, Wisconsin football brings back a fairly established offensive line, a revamped linebacking corps, and the addition of Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, set to replace outgoing starter Tanner Mordecai, adds a layer of optimism to the upcoming campaign.

The returning experience on the offensive line provides a solid foundation for the team, offering stability and protection for the new signal-caller and veteran backfield of Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker.

Van Dyke’s arrival helps brings a fresh perspective to the quarterback position, injecting the potential for Wisconsin to more effectively push the ball downfield—which was an area the Badgers struggled a season ago.

With Fickell’s second year at the helm and the lessons learned from the previous season, Wisconsin football aims to smooth out the bumps in the road. Could the combination of athleticism added on defense, a seasoned offensive line, and a veteran signal-caller create a recipe for success?

Regardless, the Wisconsin Badgers roster is now one step closer to being in the mold that Fickell and company envisioned, and the high volume of returning players should help the new schemes mesh better in 2024.

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