The Wisconsin Badgers have been very high on a true freshman linebacker who is currently on track to play throughout the season.
Cooper Catalano, a former 2025 class in-state three-star linebacker, joined the Wisconsin program as a great developmental addition at the time. However, Catalano has impressed the staff in a short time throughout camp with his physicality and play recognition.
When asked about the possibility of Catalano playing throughout the season, defensive coordinator Mike Tressel stated, “I would imagine he is going to play.” Tressel added that Catalano is a “guy who finds the ball” and his instincts on the field are a big reason why the linebacker is going to be on the field during the season. Catalano is now expected to burn his redshirt year, as true freshmen predominantly sit out the first year of college to develop.
Cooper Catalano Set to Burn Redshirt Year, Play Early for Wisconsin Badgers
Tressel is extremely high on Catalano and fellow freshman linebacker Mason Posa, and the defensive coordinator felt like each linebacker proved how special they can be during specific practices. The defensive coordinator did not provide the exact practices or moments that led to such a determination, but Tressel feels as though he has seen each linebacker put everything together on the field already.
Currently, Catalano is expected to be the backup to starting middle linebacker Tackett Curtis but nothing has been officially announced yet. Tressel stated that much can still change and there are “a lot of guys who can slide over” if needed. One such option mentioned would be Thomas Heiberger, who was expected to play a great deal last season until an injury was suffered at the end of camp.
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For both the Wisconsin Badgers and Catalano, the next week of practice will be very telling as the team begins to focus more on game situations. Tressel noted that Posa is a “guy with a lot to prove” still and could be someone who jumps Catalano in the next week. The Wisconsin native Catalano is scheduled to play this season, but will still need to buckle down and fully secure his playing time before the season kicks off.
Regardless of who wins the backup role, the Badgers have two special linebackers on the roster due to two main factors which involve a willingness to learn and an ability to trust oneself. Finding a young player who is confident, not cocky, and ready to accept help to become better is often very difficult as most younger players want to consistently do the ‘right’ thing and in turn slow down on the field. The Wisconsin Badgers, however, have found two such players at linebacker which should make for a special defense to watch in the future.
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