Badgers Release Projected Starting Lineup

Wisconsin football is past the halfway mark in fall camp, with the Badgers’ showdown with Notre Dame at Lambeau Field just three weeks away.

The team has learned a lot from its first eight practice sessions, and now only seven more preseason practices remain. As the team enters the second half of fall camp, the projected starting lineup is taking shape.

At quarterback, Colton Joseph is the clear starter, with Deuce Adams and Ryan Hopkins competing for the backup spot. Adams has been more consistent in August, but Hopkins has the maturity and leadership that Adams is still working on.

At running back, Abu Sama and Darrion Dupree are the top two, with Bryan Jackson also in the mix. However, Jackson has been banged up and gotten fewer reps, and the two backs are different types of ball-carriers, so they’re not competing for the same snaps.

The wide receiver position has seen one change, with Eugene Hilton Jr leapfrogging Jaylon Domingeaux for a starting spot. Hilton has been the most consistent offensive player at fall camp, with soft hands and a feel for getting open when the play breaks down.

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At tight end, Jacob Harris is the top player, with Grant Stec and Emmett Bork or Ryan Schwendeman also in the mix. This will be a tight end room by committee, with plenty of 12 and 13 personnel giving multiple tight ends a chance to contribute.

The offensive line has no changes, but it’s worth noting that Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood are sidelined without a timetable to return. The defensive line is also unchanged, with Hammond Russell IV, Charles Perkins, and Dillan Johnson leading the way.

The defensive line coach has said the room will go five or six players deep, but five looks like the most realistic number. Nolan Vils, Jake Anderson, and DeNigel Cooper have also rotated in with the second team at times.

The cornerback position has no changes, with the top cornerbacks leading the way. The safety position also has no changes, with the top safeties at the top.

As the Badgers enter the final stretch of fall camp, the team is looking to solidify its starting lineup and prepare for the season opener against Notre Dame. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, Wisconsin is hoping to make a strong showing in the upcoming season, including their first scrimmage games.