After previewing the Wisconsin football offense earlier this week, today I switch over to the defense. There is a lot to like about this side of the ball. Luke Fickell and the coaching staff were aggressive in the transfer portal at defensive line and linebacker. There is more depth and talent not only this year, but beyond 2024. Here is my preview of the 2024 Wisconsin football defense.
More Depth on the Wisconsin Football Defensive Line
Fon Badgers Vs Michigan Football 100221 Dcr567
The unit that struggled the most last season was the Wisconsin football defensive line. They did not get much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. After generating only two sacks a game last season, this is a group that has some familiar faces returning as well as some new faces. I am not sure if it will be this year, but I have good feeling after 2024 this could be a really good unit.
Players like James Thompson Jr, Ben Barten, and Curt Neal return after being contributors last year. Neal will be the starting nose tackle while Thompson Jr and Barten will be defensive ends. Look for players like Cade McDonald, Branden Lane, Elijah Hills, and Ernest Willor Jr, all with college football experience, to help this line out this season.
A Stacked Linebacker Room
It’s hard not to be excited about the linebacker group this season. Fickell and the staff were also aggressive in the portal to help the defensive line. The big additions were Jaheim Thomas, Leon Lowry, John Pius, and Tackett Curtis. Curtis is the only one who has eligibility past this season, but I think Pius and Thomas will be starters this season.
The two big names coming back from last year is Jake Chaney and Darryl Peterson. Fickell mentioned at Big Ten Media Days Chaney was a starting linebacker. Peterson led Wisconsin football in sacks last year and should be one the starting outside linebackers with Pius or Lowry. I am not sure there are clear starters, but this group could be rotating throughout games. Expect this group to get after the quarterback this season.
Wisconsin Football Has a Familiar Secondary Group Returning
Wisconsin football should be returning their entire starting secondary from last season. Ricardo Hallman and Nyzier Fourqurean will be the corners while Hunter Wohler, who is arguably the best player on the Wisconsin football roster, returns at safety.
Other safeties like Preston Zachman, Austin Brown, and Kamo’i Latu are back as well as corner Max Lofy. These four players are battling for two starting spots. I don’t think you could go wrong however they decide to proceed. I really like the experience and talent this group has going into the 2024 season.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
