Wisconsin football is looking to rebound in 2024 after a 7-6 2023 season under first year head coach Luke Fickell. The season had its ups and downs with two new coordinators. Most Badger fans would agree that the hype and potential for Phil Longo and Mike Tressel is warranted.
The Badgers were also active in the transfer portal, especially at the linebacker position. With that being said, I think there are players on both sides of the ball that could have breakout seasons in 2024.
Potential Wisconsin Football Offensive Breakout Players
Two players immediately stick out to me when I think of the offensive side of the ball. Both of these players are on the offensive line. Overall, this is a group that has the potential to be really good.
First off, I’m going with redshirt sophomore Joe Brunner. He hasn’t been officially listed as one of the starting guards, but it’s pretty obvious he will be when the season begins. Brunner was the sixth ranked offensive guard in the 2022 class according to 247 Sports. We have seen him at times and on special teams in his first two seasons. I think 2024 will be the year Brunner is a starter and shines on this Wisconsin football offensive line.
Next up is redshirt junior Riley Mahlman. As a starter last season at right tackle, we never heard his name over the course of a game. That means he was doing his job and was great at it in 2023. PFF’s Max Chadwick has Mahlman listed as the number eight best returning tackle in college football. At 6’8, Mahlman has the NFL body of an offensive tackle and has since they day he stepped foot on campus. Barring injury, I think Mahlman will be in the 2025 NFL Draft.
I’m going to go with C.J. Williams as my last player. I did mention earlier this week I think he will be in a position battle with Vinny Anthony II in fall camp, but there is no denying his potential and upside. He only had 15 receptions last year, but that was his first full productive year in college and was behind players like Chimere Dike, Will Pauling, Skyler Bell, and Bryson Green, This year, he should be expected to be one of the top receivers on this Wisconsin football roster.
Potential Wisconsin Football Defensive Breakout Players
I have been a fan of Austin Brown from the beginning of his Wisconsin football career. He brings speed, physicality, and athleticism to his game. Brown has been fortunate to be behind players like Hunter Wohler and Kamo’i Latu his first few years. I think 2024 is the year Brown is on the field a ton and makes plays consistently. He has gotten playing since he was a freshman so the game speed should not be an issue for him.
Nyzier Fourqurean had a really good second half the season in 2023 and saw a good chunk of playing time. I think he will be the corner opposite Ricardo Hallman. He did get beat at times with the deep ball a season ago, but had a good spring season now in his second year.
Jahiem Thomas was the leading tackler at Arkansas last year with 90. He also had 3.5 sacks. As an established veteran player, I think those numbers could be better this season. A duo of Thomas and Jake Chaney would be about as physical of a inside linebacker pairing as you will find. Right now, I think Thomas is the best linebacker in this stacked group. Don’t be surprised if he is a potential first team all Big Ten selection.
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