The Wisconsin Badgers are nowhere near a finished product, but we’ve seen this team grow quite a bit from 2025 to 2026, and they’re currently 4-1 with a big opportunity against the No. 12 UCLA Bruins ahead of them this week.
Wisconsin has seen improvements nearly everywhere. Defensively, they remain getting pressure thanks to Sebastian Cheeks. They stop the run well enough. And they’ve been great in coverage. Offensively, they’ve found ways to hit on explosive plays, while still not reaching their ceiling. And the run game is starting to get going.
Through five games, one area offensively that has especially stood out is pass protection, as the line has done a good job of consistently giving Colton Joseph clean pockets. The Badgers did make a change on the line in week five, kicking Kevin Heywood to the left side and Emerson Mandell out wide at right tackle to accommodate Stylz Blackmon at right guard.
We’ll see how that move ultimately pays off, but the Badgers offensive line has already started to play at a good level to start the week. In fact, they lead the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed through six weeks. Yes, they did not play one game, but the Badgers have allowed just one sack all season, while allowing only 30 pressures through five games. When you take out PJ Wilkins and his 10 pressures allowed, that figure gets even better.
That matters because Wisconsin will be facing a UCLA unit that has produced 56 pressures through its first five games. The Bruins have gotten pressure all-around, with Sahir West leading the team with 16. Sammy Omosigho is next with 13, while Scott Taylor has 11.
So, this will definitely be a challenge for the Badgers, but one they’ve been equipped to handle so far this season.
