Summer brings sunshine, fireworks, and—for college football fans—preview magazines. Phil Steele’s annual guide just landed, and it’s packed with deep dives into the 2026 season.
This year, Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa is front and center on the Midwest cover. The feature nods to his breakout year and hints at big things ahead.
Steele gets into the nitty-gritty of both offensive and defensive shakeups. The whole thing feels like a reset button for coach Luke Fickell and his crew.
Revamped Offensive Unit
Steele kicks off his Badgers preview by breaking down the offense. Wisconsin’s lineup has a bunch of new faces expected to make waves fast.
- Quarterback Colton Joseph
- Running back Abu Sama
- Center Austin Kawecki
- Tackle PJ Wilkins
- Wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux
- Tight end Jacob Harris
All of them are likely starters, injecting some much-needed spark. Steele also points to returning names like wideouts Chris Brooks Jr. and Eugene Hilton Jr., and guards Emerson Mandell and Colin Cubberly.
The blend of rookies and veterans is supposed to fix last year’s rough patch. Last season, the Badgers struggled, averaging just 253 yards and 13 points per game. Ouch.
Quarterback and Running Game
Quarterback Colton Joseph brings a different vibe. He’s got that dual-threat thing going, so defenses might have their hands full.
Abu Sama joins him in the backfield, teaming up with last year’s top rusher Darrion Dupree. Steele’s really high on this group, calling the run game possibly the most improved in the country.
Defensive Outlook
The defense has its own batch of newcomers ready to step up. Some of the key guys to watch:
- Defensive lineman Hammond Russell
- Linebacker Jon Jon Kamara
- Cornerback Javan Robinson
- Nickel Bryce West
- Safety Marvin Burks Jr.
Steele doesn’t forget about the returnees. Outside linebacker Justus Boone, defensive lineman Charles Perkins, and cornerback Jai’mier Scott are all back in the mix.
Linebacker Mason Posa and inside linebacker Cooper Catalano are still anchoring the defense. Even though they lost some top tacklers, Steele thinks the secondary could be a real bright spot.
Areas for Improvement
The defense did better than expected last year, but there’s still work to do. Only four of the top 16 tacklers are returning, so the secondary’s growth matters a lot.
Steele seems pretty hopeful, though. With fresh talent and some steady veterans, there’s a chance for a real step forward.
Season Projections and Expectations
Steele’s not shy about his optimism. He’s got the Badgers tied for No. 12 in the conference and thinks they could double last year’s win total.
Keeping head coach Luke Fickell around is a big piece of that puzzle. Steele even slots Wisconsin at No. 12 on his most improved teams list, which feels like a decent nod.
Strength of Schedule
One thing working in Wisconsin’s favor? The schedule. Last year, it was brutal—now Steele calls it maybe the easiest in the Big Ten.
This lighter slate could give the Badgers a real shot at stacking up some wins and building confidence.
Building a Tight-Knit Team
Off the field, the Badgers’ 2027 class is already showing some real chemistry. Recent commit Jack Tabbert talked up the importance of building relationships and a genuine sense of community.
That kind of camaraderie could spill over onto the field. If it does, it might just be the secret ingredient for a turnaround year in 2026.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 season is creeping up, and honestly, it feels like the Wisconsin Badgers are due for a real shift. There’s a mix of new faces, some familiar ones coming back, and—finally—a schedule that doesn’t look quite so brutal.
Phil Steele dives deep into what might change. He highlights where the team can actually get better, and which players are worth keeping an eye on. Badgers fans, it’s hard not to get a little excited.
Want more details or updates? You can check out the full article on 247Sports.
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