The Wisconsin Badgers 2026 roster is going to feel brand new in a lot of spots. Luke Fickell and his staff did not just fill a few holes. They rebuilt multiple position rooms from the ground up and then stacked competition on top of it.
The thinking is pretty clear: you need a quarterback who can create offense. You needed real Big Ten depth in the trenches. You needed more speed and playmaking on defense.
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The transfer portal was the answer, and Wisconsin leaned into it harder than at any point in recent memory. From quarterback all the way down to special teams, this roster looks different.
Here is a full position-by-position look at where things stand heading toward 2026.
Quarterback
The headline
This is Colton Joseph’s offense now.
Wisconsin landed Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph after a huge 2025 season where he threw for 2,624 yards and rushed for 1,007 more. He was one of the few quarterbacks in the country to hit the 2,000-passing and 1,000-rushing marks in the same year.
Joseph brings something Wisconsin has badly needed. He can create when things break down. He can extend plays. And defenses actually have to account for him as a runner.
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What it means for 2026
The entire offense changes with Joseph under center. Even when protection breaks down or receivers are not immediately open, he can keep drives alive with his legs.
What to watch
Depth. Joseph is the clear starter, but the Big Ten schedule is physical and unforgiving. Who emerges behind him matters more than people realize. Wisconsin added Louisville transfer Deuce Adams to compete with returner Carter Smith at quarterback. Those two figure to be the top backups in 2026.
Running back
The headline
Depth is finally back.
The biggest addition here is Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III. Sama rushed for 732 yards in 2025 and has been productive every season he has played college football.
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Wisconsin also added Bryan Jackson from USC and Nate Palmer from TCU to round out the room.
What it means for 2026
This room now fits multiple styles. Wisconsin can still lean on downhill running, but they also have enough bodies to rotate and stay fresh late in games.
What to watch
Defined roles. Sama looks like the lead back on paper, but this feels like a true committee where matchups will matter week to week.
Wide receiver
The headline
A full rebuild with upside.
Wisconsin had to replace a lot at receiver, so they went heavy in the portal. The additions include Shamar Rigby from Oklahoma State, Jaylon Domingeaux from Southeastern Louisiana, Malachi Coleman from Minnesota, and Zion Kearney from Oklahoma.
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Kearney is the classic fresh start addition. Former highly rated recruit who flashed at Oklahoma but never became a consistent part of the rotation.
Domingeaux brings real production after an 800+ yard, 11-touchdown season at the FCS level.
What it means for 2026
This room is new, but it finally looks like it fits the modern offense Wisconsin wants to run. Bigger frames, more vertical ability, and real competition for snaps.
What to watch
Chemistry with Colton Joseph. Talent only matters if timing and trust show up early.
Tight end
The headline
Two portal additions with different strengths.
Jacob Harris arrives from Bowling Green after catching five touchdowns in 2025. He gives Wisconsin a real red zone option.
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Ryan Schwendeman transfers in from Southern Illinois and brings the blocking presence Badger fans expect, with enough receiving ability to stay on the field.
What it means for 2026
This group should help both the run game and the quarterback. Tight ends are still a core part of Wisconsin football, even in a changing offense.
What to watch
Personnel usage. With these additions, Wisconsin has the flexibility to lean into heavier sets when needed.
Offensive line
The headline
A full reload.
Wisconsin added multiple offensive linemen through the portal, including center Austin Kawecki from Oklahoma State, tackle Lucas Simmons from Florida State, PJ Wilkins from Ole Miss, Blake Cherry from Arkansas, and Stylz Blackmon from Augustana.
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Kawecki stands out as a potential immediate starter at center, a spot Wisconsin badly needed to stabilize.
What it means for 2026
This unit should look much more like traditional Wisconsin football. Even with a more modern offense, winning up front still matters.
What to watch
Finding the best five. This room is going to be one of the most competitive in spring and fall camp.
Defense
Defensive line
The headline
A massive overhaul.
Wisconsin rebuilt the interior with portal additions like Hammond Russell IV from West Virginia, Junior Poyser from Buffalo, Jake Anderson from Illinois State, and DeNigel Cooper from Appalachian State.
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This was a necessary move after significant departures up front.
What it means for 2026
Depth returns to the rotation. Wisconsin is at its best defensively when it can keep bodies fresh and aggressive for four quarters.
What to watch
Who becomes the problem for opposing offenses? The Badgers need a player offenses have to account for, not just solid depth.
Edge and outside linebacker
The headline
More speed and more pass rush options.
Wisconsin added Justus Boone from Arkansas, Jayden Loftin from Tennessee, and Liam Danitz from Hope College.
Danitz is the most interesting name. He posted a 15-sack season at the Division III level, and Wisconsin is betting that production and athleticism can translate upward.
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What it means for 2026
This defense needs to finish plays. Getting to the quarterback has been a missing piece in big moments.
What to watch
Third down packages. Who are the trusted edge rushers when the game is on the line?
Inside linebacker
The headline
More depth behind the young core.
Wisconsin brought in Jon Jon Kamara from Kansas and Taylor Schaefer from Iowa Central Community College to add competition.
With young players like Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano developing, this room looks healthier than it did a year ago.
What it means for 2026
This is no longer a thin group. Wisconsin can rotate and survive injuries if needed.
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What to watch
Run fits and communication. This position group often determines how steady the defense feels.
Cornerback and defensive back
The headline
Big Ten talent added.
The Badgers added Bryce West from Ohio State, Javan Robinson from Arizona State, Eric Fletcher from Oklahoma State, and defensive back Cai Bates from Florida State.
West is the name that jumps out. If he plays up to his recruiting profile, this is a major addition for a defense that wants to play more confidently on the outside.
What it means for 2026
More flexibility. Wisconsin can be more aggressive if it trusts its coverage players.
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What to watch
Who wins the outside jobs and who slides into hybrid roles? There are a lot of options here.
Safety
The headline
Experience added on the back end.
Wisconsin picked up Marvin Burks Jr. from Missouri and Carson Van Dinter from Iowa State. Van Dinter brings familiarity with the state, while Burks adds experience from the SEC.
What it means for 2026
Fewer mistakes. Safeties are the last line of defense, and experience matters.
What to watch
Communication. The best safety rooms act like quarterbacks for the defense.
Special teams
The headline
Details matter.
Wisconsin went to the portal to solidify special teams, adding long snapper James Roe from Toledo and punter Ethan Tranel.
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Roe gives the Badgers stability in the snapping game, something that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem.
Tranel adds experience at punter and gives Wisconsin another option to flip field position, which can quietly swing games over the course of a season.
What to watch
Overall consistency across the kicking units, from snaps to coverage.
Big picture for 2026
Wisconsin made its plan clear. Raise the talent floor quickly. Create competition everywhere. And get back to playing physical Big Ten football while still evolving on offense.
The Badgers will be tested immediately, opening the 2026 season against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. This roster was built with that moment in mind.
