Wisconsin Football Blue Chip & Cow Chip Stocks Through 4 Weeks

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football program (3-1, 1-0 B1G) plan on taking advantage of a much-needed bye week before resuming play against Rutgers in Week 6.

But this break allows us to dive into the internal stock market within the Badgers ranks. We’re here to answer the burning questions: Who’s riding the wave of success, and who’s feeling the pinch?

Just like the astute traders on Madison’s iconic “State Street,” we’re about to explore the blue-chip stocks on the rise and the cow-chip stocks that have taken a tumble over the first four weeks of the season — relative to the individual players preseason expectations.

Wisconsin Football Safety Preston Zachman: Blue Chip Stock 

Redshirt sophomore safety Preston Zachman is one of the first names for Wisconsin football that jumps off the page as someone on the rise.

Initially, he started the season as a backup, but through fundamental play, he has worked his way into the starting lineup and is second among Badgers safeties in snaps (157).

Zachman has brought much-needed stability to the defense, particularly in coverage, and his stock is undoubtedly on the rise. Keep an eye on his role in the secondary as the season progresses.

Wisconsin Football Safety Kamo’i Latu: Cow Chip Stock

Conversely, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the Wisconsin football secondary because Kamo’i Latu has been particularly lousy through the first four games. 

As one of the marquee returning players on the Badgers’ defense entering the season, expectations were high. However, the Hawaii native has gotten off to a forgettable start, with struggles ranging from being out of position to a team-leading six missed tackles (missing on 35.3% of attempts). 

His stock has plummeted, which is why he’s lost playing time, and it’s evident that adjustments are needed for Latu to regain his footing.

Badgers O-Lineman Trey Wedig: Blue Chip Stock 

Switching gears to the Wisconsin football offensive line, Trey Wedig has been nothing short of outstanding. 

Despite serving as the sixth offensive lineman behind Joe Huber (LG) and Michael Furtney (RG), Wedig has made his presence felt with stellar performances in both run blocking and pass protection, grading out as the Wisconsin Badgers best in both categories among rotational regulars, per Pro Football Focus. 

His versatility and consistency make him a clear blue-chip stock, and it’s high time he’s considered for a starting role.

Wisconsin Badgers Wide Receiver Bryson Green: Cow Chip

Last but not least, let’s talk about wide receiver Bryson Green. While the Oklahoma State transfer is undoubtedly talented and had high expectations, his chemistry with Wisconsin football quarterback Tanner Mordecai has been nonexistent.

Despite seeing the second most snaps & targets among Badgers wide receivers, Green has struggled to translate that into meaningful production on the field, totaling just eight catches for 83 yards thus far.

As a result, his stock has taken a substantial hit, and he must find his rhythm and chemistry within the Wisconsin Badgers football offense moving forward.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.