Notes: Wisconsin Tight End Lance Mason Getting Up to Speed
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Lance Mason might be one of the most important transfers on the Wisconsin roster in 2025. In the winter, the Badgers pulled a big addition from Ball State tight end transfer Tanner Koziol, who was considered one of the best at his position in the portal. That lasted just a few practices in spring as Koziol was out the door and took his talents to Houston. Starting over with the transfer process, UW was able to reel in Mason via Missouri State.
A process that’s been all gas and no brakes since May, Wisconsin started getting Mason up to speed while he was still enrolled at Missouri State and finishing up his classes. Now that they’ve been able to get the senior on the field for fall camp, the Badgers are pleased with the early returns and how quickly Mason is grasping a complex offense for his position.
“I think the really cool thing about Lance, his maturity level coming in — he’s making a business decision. He knew the work that was going to be required of him,” tight ends coach Nate Letton told reporters following Sunday’s practice. “The best thing, he’s played a lot of football. So, when we call stuff different names, different formations, the nuances to the technique, he’s been exposed to a lot. He’s been well-trained in the past and we’re just trying to tightened some things up.
“He’s come a long way and we’re excited about where he is.”
A third-team FCS All-American as a junior, Mason caught 34 passes for 590 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. That tops what all of the Wisconsin tight ends did in a combined effort last season.
“His tape really jumped out at me,” Letton stated. “When you pull up his career, there’s a lot of plays there that you really like. What you saw over those three years, and we tried to watch all of it, was a guy who got better year over year. You could see his confidence growing.
“I don’t know if I was surprised by what we’re seeing out here from him, but I’m certainly appreciative of how he’s approached it. He hasn’t backed down. It’s a big jump in talent. The guys he’s seeing out there are a little bit different than what he’s accustomed to. He set his jaw, went to work, and produced at a high level.”
NEW OFFENSE HAVING AN IMPACT ON RECRUITING
In 2024, Wisconsin’s leading tight end, Tucker Ashcraft, had just 12 receptions for 82 yards. Under first-year offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, the Badgers are expected to be much more tight end friendly. That suits Letton just fine, who is having an easier time on the recruiting trail, now that his guys are getting touches.
“The best thing that we have is, we’re telling a story to these recruits about what they’re going to experience when they get here,” Letton explained. “As a recruit, that is a huge consideration. Tailbacks in every offense are going to get the football. Receivers in any offense are going to get the football. Tight ends aren’t all created the same in certain offenses. Being able to take clips from practice and get on Zooms or just send them little videos from a laptop screen, I think, is paying huge dividends and getting us in on some high-end guys.”
ASHCRAFT OPENS UP ABOUT DROPS
Catching passes at the McClain Center or an empty Pioneer Stadium is a lot different than in front of 80,000 fans at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturdays, but it appears Ashcraft has put the drops that plagued him last season in the rearview mirror. Unable to build off a strong freshman season in 2023, Ashcraft struggled catching the football and suffered a bit of a sophomore slump. Admitting it became a mental hurdle last season, Ashcraft hasn’t had any possession issues since spring ball.
“Last year was a humbling experience,” said Ashcraft. “I’m just coming out this year with a new mentality, new mindset. Going out and attacking every ball that comes my way.”
EMMETT BORK A NAME TO KNOW IN THE FUTURE?
While he likely won’t see any significant game action this season, keep an eye on true freshman tight end Emmett Bork down the road. A late addition to Wisconsin’s 2025 class, Bork flipped to the Badgers from Michigan State. Enrolling early in the spring, Bork has flashed with his 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame and wide catch radium.
“I’m very excited about where Emmett is,” said Letton. “For a young guy, his exposure to different football, is gonna take a little time with the learning curve, but he’s got all the tools we’re looking for. Very excited about where he can go.”
