Fall Camp Preview: Five Position Battles to Watch

MADISON, Wis. — Continuing our preview of Wisconsin’s fall camp, Badger Blitz breaks down five position battles to watch when the Badgers return to the field later this month.

Running Back

The Candidates: Darrion Dupree, Cade Yacamelli, Dilin Jones

Wisconsin and running backs coach Devon Spalding have three viable options going into the season opener.

Dupree had the best season among the returners. As a true freshman, Dupree posted 317 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries while emerging as the backup to Tawee Walker.

Yacamelli is probably the most consistent and versatile of the group. Despite not getting a carry in any of UW’s final five games, Yacamelli performed well when he got his chance, tallying 274 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 8.3 yards per carry.

Jones played in three games during his true freshman season, finishing with 88 yards on 16 attempts.

Frontrunner: Jones

When you look at what offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes values, it’s the ability to advance the football in a north/south manner. Of the three tailbacks, Jones is the most physical. After a redshirt season, Jones came back in the spring a lot more decisive between the tackles and was seen bouncing off linebackers at the second level.

Tight End

The Candidates: Lance Mason, Tucker Ashcraft

Ashcraft wasn’t able to build on his strong freshman season and suffered a sophomore slump, so to speak. In 2024, Ashcraft had 12 receptions for 82 yards and one score, which was right around what he posted in year one. However, Ashcraft did have a stellar spring and held down the No. 1 job.

With Tanner Koziol hitting the transfer portal just five practices into his UW career, the Badgers needed a replacement. Tight ends coach Nate Letton went to Missouri State and landed Mason, a third-team FCS All-American as a junior. In 2024, Mason caught 34 passes for 590 yards and six touchdowns

Frontrunner: Ashcraft

Mason was a spring addition and hasn’t been with the team yet. As mentioned, Ashcraft appeared to turn things around for himself and was a stable pass-catching presence all spring. However, he’ll have to do it on Saturdays.

Right Guard

The Candidates: Emerson Mandell, JP Benzschawel, Kerry Kodanko

Mandell is one of the top young players on the roster right now. A former four-star recruit, Mandell didn’t appear in any games for the Badgers as a true freshman, but was right in the thick of things for a starting job in the spring.

A walk-on, Kodanko made this battle very interesting. Kodanko opted to come back for a sixth season. While he’s only played in a few games during his career, the Green Bay native could have a role this fall, and at the very least, be one of the first off the bench in case of emergency.

Benzschawel missed most of the spring due to injury, but returned late. Having paid his dues, it might finally be Benzschawel’s time in Madison. The Grafton product has appeared in 27 games over his career and was a key backup last season.

Frontunner: Benzschawel

Mandell and Kodanko both took their share of first-team reps in the spring. It didn’t feel like either was able to really emerge as the clear cut frontrunner. That said, I’ll go with experience in Benzschawel.

Defensive Line

The Candidates: Jay’viar Suggs, Charles Perkins, Brandon Lane, Parker Petersen

Based on spring, it feels like defensive line coach EJ Whitlow is going to roll with senior Ben Barten at one of the defensive line positions. The other spot is where much of the rotation with the first-team defense took place.

Petersen mostly backed up Barten. For the most part, it was Suggs and Perkins getting the work with the top unit.

Suggs, who started his career at Grand Valley State, came over from LSU. He didn’t have a big year for the Tigers, but saw action in all 12 games for the Tigers, posting 2.0 sacks.

We’re very high on Perkins, who transferred in from UT-Martin. A first-team All-OVC pick as a sophomore, Perkins went for 40.0 tackles, 19 pressures, and 2.5 sacks in 2024. A violent, disruptive presence in the middle, Perkins is just someone you feel on the field.

Frontunner: Suggs

As spring wore on, it felt like Suggs was getting more of the first-team work. However, I think Perkins is probably poised to deliver more of the havoc stats. I wouldn’t get too carried away with a depth chart at this position. The Badgers have a ton of bodies they need to get on the field and the defense is very multiple.

Cornerback

The Candidates: Omillio Agard, Jaimier Scott, Cairo Skanes

Assuming Nyzier Fourqurean is eligible to play in 2025, Wisconsin has four cornerbacks in place. Ricardo Hallman and Fouqurean should be on the perimeter. Geimere Latimer Jr. will be in the slot. Miami (FL) transfer D’Yoni Hill is the top backup. However, there’s still room for one more cornerback in the rotation and it will go to an inexperienced player.

Frontunner: Agard

I think Scott is one of the top players from Wisconsin’s 2025 class right now. When the ball was in the air, the Rivals four-star prospect was as good as any cornerback at playing it. Scott is also a legit 6-foot-1 and can come up and tackle as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the field in some capacity as a true freshman.

Right now, Agard just feels a little steadier. Also a former Rivals four-star, Agard’s one year of experience has made him more technically sound and trustworthy at this point. Agard didn’t see the field in 2024, but he’s shown signs of potentially being ready in year two, specifically the way he can stay low in that backpedal and flip his hips to stick with receivers.

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