Wisconsin Football: Predicting the 2023 Offensive Depth Chart

Wisconsin football has made several key moves since the end of the 2022 season. With multiple exciting transfer additions, the Badgers’ offense could have some new contributors as starters in 2023.

As we enter the Luke Fickell era, it’s anyone’s guess how the depth chart will shake out. With that in mind, here is a way-too-early prediction of Wisconsin’s 2023 offensive depth chart.

Quarterbacks

QB1: Tanner Mordecai
QB2: Nick Evers
QB3: Braedyn Locke/Myles Burkett

The QB room had one of the biggest shakeups due to the transfer portal. Wisconsin landed three QBs, with Tanner Mordecai, Nick Evers, and Braedyn Locke entering the fold.

Mordecai comes in with a wealth of experience and will be a day-one starter in 2023. Evers is an excellent option as a backup as he looks to develop his game to take the starting spot in 2024. The battle for the third spot will be one to watch. With Chase Wolf’s departure from the Wisconsin football program, Braedyn Locke and Myles Burkett will be the frontrunners for the QB3 spot.

Running backs

RB1: Braelon Allen
RB2: Chez Mellusi
RB3: Julius Davis

The running back room is one of the few groups that will remain the same following a wild offseason. Allen and Mellusi will return as the two-headed monster rushing attack for another year. Davis will serve as the third running back in the depth chart and will have the opportunity to step in if need be.

Wide receivers

X-WR1: Keontez Lewis
X-WR2: CJ Williams
X-WR3: Vinny Anthony

Y-WR1: Skyler Bell
Y-WR2: Bryson Green
Y-WR3: Markus Allen

Slot-WR1: Chimere Dike
Slot-WR2: Will Pauling

The wide receiver room will be one of the most important groups to watch as spring ball rolls around. With the additions of CJ Williams, Bryson Green, Will Pauling, and Quincy Burroughs, UW has a completely revamped receiving corps.

Due to their experience with the program, Wisconsin’s top three receivers in 2022 will be the top guys again. However, CJ Williams and Bryson Green will be vital to the team as newcomers. Will Pauling could also see some reps at the slot receiver behind Chimere Dike.

Tight ends

TE1: Clay Cundiff
TE2: Hayden Rucci
TE3: JT Seagraves

The tight-end room is another group that won’t have too many changes in 2023. Cundiff will still be the starter as he enters his senior season, and Rucci will also be a vital contributor in his senior year.

After redshirting in his first year, Seagraves will take the third spot in the depth chart with a chance to move up. He played in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl last season, where he hauled in his first catch. He may not see many reps on the field this year, but he’ll provide valuable depth.

Offensive line

First Team

LT: Jack Nelson
LG: Trey Wedig
C: Jake Renfro
RG: Tanner Bortolini
RT: Riley Mahlman

Second Team

LT: Nolan Rucci
LG: Joe Brunner
C: Dylan Barrett
RG: Michael Furtney
RT: Barrett Nelson

The Badgers found their Joe Tippmann replacement in the transfer portal, with former Cincinnati center Jake Renfro heading to the Wisconsin football program. The remainder of the offensive line will stay about the same.

One question mark will be Trey Wedig, who started his first game at left guard in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. He does have some strong competition with former high school All-American Joe Brunner behind him, making their battle one to watch.

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