Fall Camp Concludes with Scrimmage
Wisconsin completed its 15-practice fall camp with a scrimmage on Aug. 23, a session that lasted about two hours under clear skies. The Badgers, who open their season against Notre Dame on Sept. 6 at Lambeau Field, used the practice as a final tune-up, with players in full uniform but without full tackling, reaching a "thud" level of contact.
The scrimmage provided a glimpse into the team's dynamics, though many starters saw limited action. Running back Darrion Dupree took significant reps, with other backs such as Abu Sama, Nate Palmer, Bryan Jackson, and others seeing little to no play. The defense outperformed the offense, allowing few big plays or touchdowns, and quarterbacks Colton Joseph, Ryan Hopkins, and Deuce Adams did not turn the ball over, a noted improvement.
Coach Luke Fickell, who had toned down practice physicality in response to minor injuries, expressed some concern about maintaining leadership but credited the team for its competitiveness. "The guys came out today, they competed, they led," he said, adding that he gave them "a hell of a lot of credit."
Offensive Line Concerns
The offensive line has been a significant focus of camp, but injuries to projected starters Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood have hindered its development. The duo missed almost all of camp due to injury, leaving positions open for backups. Lucas Simmons-Johansson filled in for Heywood at right tackle, while Stylz Blackmon and Blake Cherry worked at right guard in Mandell's absence. Blackmon has been rotating with Cherry, and sources suggest he has moved ahead in the competition.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes acknowledged the injuries have "held us back from being maybe where we'd like to be right now." He noted that the unit is still growing in terms of jell and camaraderie, but their return was uncertain. "I don't know. It's hard to say," Grimes said regarding when Mandell and Heywood might return.
These injuries have also affected the depth chart. PJ Wilkins solidified his status as the starting left tackle, and the competition for right guard is ongoing between Blackmon and Cherry. The offensive line's instability was a key reason for the offense's occasional struggles, including a practice in front of fans where it "looked lost."
Quarterback Situation
Colton Joseph, the senior transfer from Old Dominion, has been solidified as the starting quarterback. His camp progress was not flawless, but observers noted his ability to create play out of nothing and his budding leadership. The backup competition between Deuce and Ryan Hopkins has been ongoing, and Grimes categorized the competition as "on-going" after the 14th practice.
In the scrimmage, Hopkins and Adams rotated with the second-team offense and avoided turnovers. Danny O'Neil, who made three starts last season, returned from an nine-month Achilles tear-sustained midway through camp, adding depth but not complicating the competition further. The quarterbacks' ball security was a highlight, with the trio completing the scrimmage without a single turnover.
Running Backs and Receivers
Abu Sama has solidified his status as the No. 1 running back, displaying the ability to break big and runs between the tackles. Darrion Dupree has emerged as the top backup, due to his availability, pass blocking, and route running. Nate Palmer could be the No. 3 back if injuries to Brian Jackson and Juju Pope persist. In the scrimmage, Dupree carried a significant load, gaining about 12 yards on his longest run and catching passes out of the backfield.
The receiving corps has been dubbed the "heartbeat" of the offense by Grimes, who praised their consistent energy. Eugene Hilton Jr. was a standout, showing improved strength and route-running, and he appears primed to be a top target. Shamar Rigby impressed after returning from injury in the back half of camp. The group, which includes Chris Brooks, Tyrell Henry, Malachi Coleman, and Jaylon Dominguex, could be rotated heavily based on situation and package.
Defensive Standouts
The defense has been a source of optimism, with several players making a name in camp. Inside linebacker Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano have been promising, while Thomas Heiberger and Jon Jon Kamara stood out. In the scrimmage, Cai Bates broke up passes and delivered a hit, and Tyreese Fearbry had tackles for a performance that disrupted Joseph.
At cornerback, Eric was a stellar camp, winning a competition with Jai Jermaine Scott, though they will both likely play. Eugene Hilton Jr. was another consistent performer on offense.
Special Teams and Other Notes
Sean West listed as the punter, and Gavin Lahm is the projected kicker, but he has had ups and downs during camp. In the scrimmage, Lahm connected on four of his six field goal attempts, all from within 40 yards. However, snapping issues have been flagged, which could be concern.
The team concluded fall camp Aug. 23, with the opener against Notre Dame scheduled for Sept. 6 at Lambeau Field. The scrimmage represented the final opportunity for players to make an impression.
Perspectives
Different viewpoints emerged from the coaching staff on both the state of the team. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes acknowledged the defense's offensive line due to injuries and said the unit was "still growing," while head coach Luke Fickell was more upbeat, praising the team's leadership and physicality in the scrimmage. The defensive coordinator, Mike Tressel, has been quoted in one report as wanting the defense to be "opportunistic," and in the final scrimmage, the unit succeeded in limiting the offense. This contrast—concern on the offensive side, confidence on the defensive—reflects the team's overall outlook as they head into Notre Dame preparation.