Wisconsin Football Releases the First Official Depth Chart of the Season

Madison, Wis. — Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football team officially released its first two-deep depth chart of the season ahead of its season opener against Buffalo on September 2. 

Here is a look at where things stand heading into Week one:

Wisconsin Football Offensive Two-Deep Depth Chart 

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) runs through a drill during fall training camp at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Quarterback

Starter: Tanner Mordecai (SR)

Backup: Braedyn Locke (RS FR)

Running Back

Starter: Braelon Allen (JR)

Backup: Chez Mellusi (SR)

Wide Receiver

Starter: Chimere Dike (SR)

Backup: Keontez Lewis (JR)

Wide Receiver

Starter: Bryson Green (JR)

Backup: C.J. Williams (SO)

Slot Wide Receiver

Starter: Will Pauling (RS SO)

Backup: Skyler Bell (RS SO) OR Vinny Anthony (SO)

Tight End

Starter: Hayden Rucci (SR)

Backup: Tucker Ashcraft (FR)

Left Tackle

Starter: Jack Nelson (RS JR)

Backup: Nolan Rucci (RS SO)

Left Guard

Starter: Joe Huber (RS JR)

Backup: Joe Brunner (RS FR)

Center

Starter: Tanor Bortolini (RS JR)

Backup: Dylan Barrett (SO)

Right Guard

Starter: Michael Furtney (RS SR)

Backup: JP Benzschwael (RS SO)

Right Tackle

Starter: Riley Mahlman (RS SO)

Backup: Trey Wedig (RS JR)

…

My initial reaction to the Badgers offensive two-deep is that, for the most part, it’s exactly what I expected. Without Jake Renfro available — Barret is elevated to the second-team offensive line.

I’m also not surprised to see Green listed with the top trio of pass-catchers. Anthony being listed with an OR next to his name is one that caught my eye — he’s got track speed that could pair well in Phil Longo‘s offense.

Lastly, I just want to give a tip of the cap to Ashcraft for earning a spot on the opening day two-deep as a true freshman. Injuries aside, he’s got a lot of upside and impressed coaches enough to warrant meaningful snaps.

Wisconsin Football Defensive Two-Deep Depth Chart 

Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) runs through a drill during fall training camp at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Defensive End 

Starter: Rodas Johnson (RS SR)

Backup: Cade McDonald (RS JR)

Nose Tackle 

Starter: Gio Paez (RS SR)

Backup: Ben Barten (RS JR)

Defensive End 

Starter: James Thompson Jr. (RS JR)

Backup: Darian Varner (RS JR)

Outside Linebacker 

Starter: Darryl Peterson (RS JR)

Backup: Kaden Johnson (RS JR)

Middle Linebacker 

Starter: Maema Njongmeta (RS SR)

Backup: Jake Chaney (JR)

Middle Linebacker 

Starter: Jordan Turner (RS JR) OR Jake Chaney (JR)

Backup: Tatum Grass (RS SR)

Outside Linebacker 

Starter: C.J. Goetz (RS SR)

Backup: Jeff Pietrowski (RS JR)

Cornerback 

Starter: Alexander Smith (RS SR)

Backup: Nyzier Fourqurean (JR)

Cornerback 

Starter: Ricardo Hallman (RS SO)

Backup: Jonas Duclona (Fr)

Slot Corner 

Starter: Jason Maitre (RS SR)

Backup: Owen Arnett (RS SO)

Safety

Starter: Hunter Wohler (JR)

Backup: Austin Brown (SO) OR Preston Zachman (RS SO)

Safety 

Starter: Kamo’i Latu (SR)

Backup: Travian Blaylock (RS SR)

…

Isaiah Mullens is injured, so he wasn’t listed on the two-deep for Wisconsin football. Also, TJ Bollers is a name I’m surprised wasn’t listed with this group, considering reports suggested he was running with the ones at times during the portion of fall camp that was open to the media.

Chaney being listed as a potential co-starter with the first-team defense reflects everything the Wisconsin football coaching staff has said to this point: they feel that the Badgers have three starting inside linebackers.

Walk-on safety Owen Arnett being the backup nickel corner is something I didn’t have on my bingo card going into fall camp — but his teammates have spoken glowingly about his ability to be a playmaker. I’m excited to see what he brings to the defense.

Special Teams Two-Deep Depth Chart 

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) during fall training camp at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Punter

Starter: Atticus Bertrams (Fr)

Backup: Jack Van Dyke (JR)

Kicker

Starter: Nathaniel Vakos (SO)

Backup: Nate Van Zelst (RS SO)

Kickoffs

Starter: Jack Van Dyke (JR)

Backup: Gavin Lahm (So)

Long-Snapper

Starter: Peter Bowden (RS SR)

Backup: Keane Bessert (FR)

Punt Returner

Starter: Chimere Dike (SR)

Backup: Will Pauling (RS SO)

The #Badgers depth chart for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/Es1eU77ezb

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 28, 2023

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