Wisconsin Fall Camp Preview: Inside Linebacker

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin will open up fall camp at the end of the month in what will be a critical year for the program. Badger Blitz takes a look at the inside linebacker position, which features a good mixture of veterans, rising stars, and young players to watch…

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

1. Tackett Curtis – Jr.

2. Cooper Catalano – Fr.

3. Tyler Jansey – So.

———————————–

1. Christian Alliegro – Jr.

2. Antarron Turner – Jr.

3. Mason Posa – Fr./Landon Gauthier – Fr.

———————————–

STAR

1. Aaron Witt – Sr.

2. Thomas Heiberger – Fr.

While Wisconsin loses a pair of starters, all is well at the inside linebacker position.

A popular breakout pick for the Badgers in 2025, Alliegro flashed in his sophomore season, posting 66.0 tackles and 3.0 sacks. Alliegro’s 3.0 sacks tied for the team lead and he also went for 16.0 tackles in a loss at Iowa, the most by any UW player all season.

Like Alliegro, Curtis definitely had some moments. Playing banged up in 2024, the USC transfer contributed 27.0 tackles and two pass breakups off the bench. After a rest period, Curtis came back much more physical in spring ball and appeared ready for bigger and better things.

The Badgers are also introducing the “star” position this season. Witt, who is coming off his best season at UW, and first where he’s stayed healthy for the most part, will be given the freedom to do a variety of different things. Last season, Witt contributed 28.0 tackles, including 4.5 for loss.

NUMBER TO KNOW – 49

Although Wisconsin lost both Jake Chaney and Jaheim Thomas from last season, the Badgers are not short on experience. Projected starters, Curtis and Alliegro, have made a combined 49 appearances over the last two seasons. The duo has also missed just one game between them. That came when Curtis transferred from USC after the regular season and did not appear in their bowl game. Projected No. 3 Turner also has 23 games of experience under his belt at Western Carolina.

POTENTIAL SURPRISE

Not sure how much defensive coordinator Mike Tressel wants to take his top two inside linebackers out of the game, but Turner was a guy who came on late in spring ball. The Western Carolina transfer had a nice sophomore season, tallying 61.5 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 3.0 sacks. Not a thumper between the tackles, but Turner has some burst and ability to fly to the football.

YOUNGSTER TO WATCH

Going into fall camp, I like Catalano to win a job in the two-deep. Ideally, Wisconsin would be able to redshirt the true freshman linebacker, but based on spring ball, it’s hard to say Catalano isn’t one of the best four inside linebackers in the room right now.

Obviously, Posa, who was a huge recruiting win for the Badgers, might have a say in this, but Catalano’s spring was outstanding. A playmaking, instinctive linebacker, Catalano never appeared in over his head and didn’t back down or shy away from the physicality of the Big Ten.

2025 FORECAST

Does Wisconsin necessarily have that 100-tackle, nightmare-fuel inside linebacker? Probably not. Are the Badgers capable of fielding an above-average unit in 2025? I think so.

As mentioned, it looks like Curtis is playing his best football in a UW uniform. Fans should see a different player there. Alliegro is still just scratching the surface of his high ceiling and will finally be unleashed this fall.

Turner is a good depth piece, but I think the future resides with Posa, Heiberger, and Catalano. The Badgers also have some terrific culture guys, who I’m not writing off either in Gauthier and Jansey. The walk-ons are pretty solid as well. Garrison Soliday, a senior, has been around the block and could play in emergencies. Liked what I’ve seen from Drew Braam, a redshirt freshman, as well.

But if Posa, Catalano, and Heiberger are what we think they are, and Alliegro and Curtis are back in 2026, UW’s inside linebacker room could be a year away from really taking off.