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MADISON, Wis. — Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Badger Blitz is counting down the 26 most important players for Wisconsin this fall. We continue with senior safety Marvin Burks, who was a multi-year starter in the SEC…
2025 Rewind
As a junior, Burks tallied 49.0 tackles and one interception. Over the last three seasons, Burks has 131 tackles and two picks.
Out of high school, Burks was originally recruited by the previous coaching staff of Wisconsin. He recalls hearing from former defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard on occasion, but never made the trip to Madison. Upon entering the transfer portal, Burks decided to finally make that visit.
“This time, it was a business decision,” Burks told Badger Blitz. “Coming out of high school, never got a chance to go take a visit to Madison. This time, I was able to get there, see what the campus and the city had to offer. I was mind-blown.”
“I loved it. It had the lakes and everything around downtown. It was an amazing city. I was more pleased when I was out there. I didn’t know what to expect, but when I went out there, it was amazing.”
Why Burks is No. 12
Burks has appeared in 39 total games over the course of his collegiate career. Joining a relatively young secondary, Burks and his three years of SEC experience will be relied upon heavily.
“That was something we talked about. At Missouri, I was around great leaders,” said Burks. “Having that role and understanding how to be a leader is something I look forward to doing when I get to Madison.”
Wisconsin doesn’t feature a ton of experience in its secondary. Aside from cornerback Javan Robinson, Burks is the only defensive back who’s gone through an entire season as a starter.
A versatile safety, Burks had success in the box and on the back end for Missouri. Last season, he posted a stellar 81.6 run defense grade, coupled with a 72.8 grade in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. 414 of his snaps came at free safety, but Burks also lined up in the slot for 80 snaps and played in the box on 96 of those snaps. 11 times, Missouri also sent Burks up to the line of scrimmage.
What They Said About Burks
Burks was a four-star transfer addition for Wisconsin, according to the Rivals Industry. In spring practice, Burks didn’t have a ton of noteworthy plays, but his ability to be in the right spot and direct his teammates has value that goes beyond the box score.
“You just have a lot of confidence. As soon as we met him in the portal, the reps in the SEC and in big-time environments give him confidence that, ‘Yeah, coach, I’ve got that,” said safeties coach Jack Cooper. “I think that helps guys be able to play at a high level next to him, because he does have that aura about him…Having proof of concept and having reps, especially at that position, they have problem-solved. I think when it comes to checks and adjustments, the offense putting us through stress, he’s already been through it.
“He can be a huge asset for us.”
