Fall Camp Preview: Five Badgers Ready to Break Out in 2025
MADISON, Wis. — Beginning our preview for fall camp, On3 takes a closer look at five players we feel are ready to break out for Wisconsin during the 2025 season. Following a disappointing 5-7 season, the Badgers are hoping for a bounce-back campaign and have a number of potential future stars to help them get back to a bowl game this fall…
Christian Alliegro
He may not have been a starter last season, but arguably no inside linebacker had a better season than Christian Alliegro. Playing in all 12 games, Alliegro posted 66 tackles and a team-high 3.0 sacks.
Cementing himself in UW’s bigger, more physical defense, Alliegro has gained roughly nine pounds since the end of last season.
“I’m trying to get my weight where I feel like I can still have my athleticism and speed and not feel like I’m running out there in mud,” Alliegro said. “I feel good.”
Trech Kekahuna
Former wide receivers coach and now quarterbacks coach Kenny Guiton made it clear in the off-season, it was likely either Will Pauling or Trech Kekahuna in 2025. Both hit the transfer portal, but once Pauling entered his name, Kekahuna was back in the fold for the Badgers. Meanwhile, Pauling took his talents to Notre Dame, clearing the way for the Hawaii native.
“True honesty, I knew it would be tough keeping him and Will Pauling together,” said Guiton. “It was tough where they kind of eat off each other’s plates. Once I kinda got wind where, ‘Trech, I know you’re kinda feeling like he gets the first at hand’ — he was the older guy, but I’m not feeling like that’s what happening coming up this season.
“Once we were able to sit down, talk it out, I think he saw the bright side of what he can do at the University of Wisconsin, because he wants to be here. He wants to represent the ‘W.'”
We didn’t see Kekahuna in spring ball due to injury, but we did witness a Jeff Grimes offense that should suit the speedster’s skillset very well. Grimes creatively found ways to get the ball to his playmakers, specifically slot receivers, by any means necessary.
As a redshirt freshman, Kekahuna caught 25 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns. He caught a pass in all but two games, including six grabs for 134 yards and two scores versus Purdue.
Dilin Jones
Tough to fully go in on an RB1 candidate yet for the Badgers. With the way running backs coach Devon Spalding plans to divide carries this fall, not sure it even matters. Regardless, Dilin Jones is one of the most improved players on the roster.
Following a redshirt season in which he still appeared in three games, Jones came back in spring more decisive between the tackles and much more physical at the first point of contact.
“I think it told me everything I need to know,” Jones said of his performance in the spring. “If we had a game tomorrow, I think I’m ready to put on a show.”
Jackson Acker
Is Jackson Acker going to put up big stats in 2025? Probably not. Are Badger fans going to feel his presence? Absolutely.
A tailback, turned fullback, turned tailback again, Acker is at his third position this fall, transitioning to tight end. The Verona native will also have a fullback role in Jeff Grimes’ offense, adding to what the Badgers hope will be a “violent” rushing attack.
Over the last five seasons, Acker has appeared in 38 games. Acker now believes he’s finally found his home.
“I’m enjoying it,” Acker said of the position move. “More than that, I’m loving it. It feels right.”
Joe Brunner
Always been a big Joe Brunner fan. I think offensive line coach AJ Blazek is really going to get the best out of him and I wouldn’t be surprised if the former Whitefish Bay product puts himself in a position to leave early for the NFL.
Emerging as a starter in 2024, Brunner started all 12 games at left guard last season. With the season-ending injury to Kevin Heywood at left tackle, Brunner may be called upon to slide outside depending on how Central Michigan transfer Davis Heinzen works out, but for now, Brunner remains slated at his original position. Last season, he posted a pass blocking grade of 77.8, which ranked third among all guards in the Big Ten.
Others: Chris Brooks Jr., Kerry Kodanko, Emerson Mandell, JP Benzschawel, Cade Yacamelli, Joseph Griffin, Darrion Dupree, Tackett Curtis, Jackson McGohan, Dillan Johnson
*Doesn’t include transfers