Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of NCAA fans nationwide. We regularly ask questions of dedicated Wisconsin Badgers fans and others across the country. Sign up here to join our weekly emailed surveys.
The Wisconsin Badgers’ offense is set for a major overhaul in 2025 following significant offseason changes, including transfer portal additions and departures.
On offense, Wisconsin introduces a new starting quarterback, running back, two wide receivers, a potential new tight end, and two offensive linemen, all under a new offensive coordinator.
Key transfer portal additions include Billy Edwards, Jayden Ballard, and Lance Mason, while players like Dilin Jones, Darrion Dupree, and Trech Kekahuna are poised to take on larger roles.
So, who are the Badgers’ breakout candidates on offense for 2025? Four players stand out: Jones, Dupree, Kekahuna, and Ballard.
Jones and Dupree, both running backs, are primed for bigger roles after being reserves last season (Dupree as the No. 2, Jones out of the rotation). With new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, both will see significant playing time due to their complementary skill sets, but one is likely to emerge as the primary back. Jones currently holds the edge, having impressed in spring practice and stepping up when Dupree was sidelined by a lower-body injury.
At wide receiver, Trech Kekahuna is on the verge of a breakout. Last season, he flashed potential while filling in for an injured Will Pauling, recording six catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Purdue. Now stepping into the lead slot receiver role, Kekahuna has a chance to be a focal point of the offense, though he’ll need to improve his technical consistency, which drew coaching staff criticism last year.
Jayden Ballard, a transfer from Ohio State, is another name to watch. Despite modest stats (11 catches over four years with the Buckeyes), Ballard was stuck behind a loaded depth chart. In his first spring at Wisconsin, he quickly stood out and is the frontrunner to start opposite Vinny Anthony on the boundary. His speed and fit in Jeff Grimes’s vertical passing game, combined with growing chemistry with quarterback Billy Edwards, make him a potential game-changer.
With several new faces stepping up, who will be Wisconsin’s breakout offensive player in 2025?
Leave a Reply