Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wisconsin fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Wisconsin Badgers are just two days away from the start of the season, as they’re set to take on the Miami (OH) Redhawks on Thursday evening, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. on Camp Randall Stadium.
It’s been a much different offseason for the Badgers as they integrate new
faces into the program ahead of a season filled with unknowns. Of course, when there are unknowns, there’s a lot to prove, and Wisconsin is in that boat currently, as several players hope to take the next step against one of the toughest schedules in the country.
Which Badgers player has the most to prove on offense?
Up top, there’s obviously quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who comes in from Maryland after averaging 285 passing yards per start in 2025. He’ll have high expectations as he leads offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’s offense, but the bar has been low at the position over the past few years.
Then, there are running backs Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree, who are being handed the reins at the running back position heading into their redshirt freshman year. Not only will they have to prove themselves on the field, but Wisconsin will also need them to stay healthy, given that they have four scholarship backs on the team.
Tight end Lance Mason will need to step up as a key contributor, both given Tucker Ashcraft’s injury and Wisconsin’s lack of production at tight end in recent years.
And then the offensive line will have to be the standard and especially improve with their run-blocking, where they were average in 2024. All eyes will be on left tackle Davis Heinzen, who transferred in from Central Michigan, to protect Billy Edwards’s blind spot.
Who has the most to prove this season on offense? Let us know in our weekly SB Nation Reacts poll above and share your thoughts in the comments below!
