SerpApi.Org
The 2025 season wasn’t kind to the Wisconsin Badgers, who went 4-8 and had their worst winning percentage since 1990. While the Badgers saw growth as the season went along, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, their offense was among the worst in the FBS in several ranks.
Wisconsin looked to improve its offense considerably this offseason, adding multiple players at each position group. Their quarterback room is headlined by Colton Joseph. The running back room has Abu Sama III, Bryan Jackson, and Nate Palmer to complement Darrion Dupree. The wide receiver room was completely overhauled. Two new tight ends were brought in to a young room. And the Badgers added several offensive linemen alongside new position coach Eric Mateos.
However, the offense isn’t the only area where Wisconsin must improve. The Badgers’ special teams unit was also underwhelming in 2025, according to ESPN’s SP+ metric. The Badgers had the 95th-best special teams unit in the country, according to SP+, as kicker Nathanial Vakos struggled and punter Atticus Bertrams had a rough year.
Heading into 2026, the Badgers, who are the third-worst projected team in the Big Ten by SP+, aren’t projected to be much better on special teams. They’re ranked the 97th-best unit, ranking only ahead of Minnesota, USC, Michigan, and Michigan State.
That will be an area Wisconsin must improve in 2026. Gavin Lahm, who had been the backup to Vakos, is set to be the starting kicker, while Sean West, who replaced Bertrams towards the end of last season, is set to be the team’s punter.
Of course, the return and coverage units will have to be better as well, but the Badgers need to be more well-rounded in 2026 if they’re to take the next jump.
