On Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers started a new era with Luke Fickell as their new head coach. The team started out with Buffalo on their home field, winning their first game by a score of 38-17. The Badgers have always held the identity of running the ball. In the game against Buffalo, the Wisconsin Badgers stayed with the method that has worked in previous years.
Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen was the primary running back in 2022. To start this season, Chez Mellusi was the top ball carrier with 13 carries for 157 yards, and two touchdowns on the ground. Allen came in second with 14 carries for 141 yards, and two scores to help secure the win. Braelon Allen caught seven passes for 25 yards out of the backfield. 
Wisconsin Badgers Add Former Big Ten Tight End to Roster
While the Badgers have brought in additional wide receivers for the passing game, they did manage to add a former Big Ten tight end from Madison, Wisconsin.
Evan Flood was the first to report on the big move made by the Badgers football team via X:
#Badgers are listing former Illinois tight end Michael Cerniglia on their roster today.
A Madison native, Cerniglia began his career at Northern Illinois in 2019.
Dad played hockey at UW. Mom played volleyball at UW. https://t.co/xxRMluGmHA
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 3, 2023
Mike Cerniglia Jr College Career
The former Big Ten tight end started his collegiate career with the Northern Illinois Huskies in 2019. He was redshirted as a freshman. However, he did earn Academic-All Big Ten honors during the school year. In 2021, Cerniglia earned the same honor but did not see the football field. Last season, he entered the transfer portal and went to the University of Illinois.
Surely, he has not seen time as a college football player as of yet. The new-look football squad does currently have three tight ends Hayden Rucci, Jack Pugh, and true freshman Tucker Ashcraft already on the roster. Noticeably, on Saturday, Tucker Ashcraft caught two passes for 36 yards and made a huge impact in the Badgers passing attack. Hopefully, Cerniglia will get a chance to play with the Wisconsin Badgers during this 2023 season just starting.
Fun Facts About Mike Cerniglia’s Parents
Not only is Mike Cerniglia Jr playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers, but his parents are former alumni of the school as well. His father played hockey for the Badgers from 1996-2001. He also received the National W Club Award in 2001 for community involvement.
Since 2014, he has been the Executive Director of the National W Club. Holding other positions as Director of Hockey Operations and the Assistant to the Director of Athletics in Barry Alvarez. Mike Cerniglia’s mother played volleyball for the Wisconsin Badgers and was a letter winner in 1996.
The Wisconsin Badgers face Washington State on the road next Saturday at 7:30 pm ET on ABC!
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me @michfan20 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here!
