Wisconsin football projects to enter 2025 with a veteran-heavy lineup on both sides of the football.
That reality is due to a confluence of factors. First, the program saw an unusually large number of underclassmen transfer out this offseason, led by most of the program’s secondary depth. That meant that several projected members of the 2025 two-deep now play elsewhere. Second, and more significantly, Wisconsin brought in an impressive 19-player transfer class, led by proven veterans at several key positions, including quarterback, tight end and defensive line.
Wisconsin had several underclassmen slated for big roles when the 2024 season concluded. The program, as it should have, then visited the transfer market for veteran, established options at the positions.
That doesn’t mean Wisconsin won’t have underclassmen break out and produce. The program should have a wave of top talent going through the program, as the Badgers finished the 2024 and 2025 recruiting cycles ranked No. 23 and No. 25, respectively. While several notable signees, including CB Xavier Lucas (2024), OLB Anelu Lafaele (2024) and CB Amare Snowden (2023), transferred out, Wisconsin should begin to see its recruiting success pay dividends.
With that in mind, we’re taking an early look at some underclassmen who could break out in 2025. Six players immediately came to mind:
Running back Darrion Dupree
Year in 2025: Sophomore
Career Stats: 11 games, 79 carries, 317 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 12 receptions, 119 receiving yards
Recruiting Ranking: Four-star, No. 392 recruit in class of 2024, No. 29 running back
Analysis: Dupree is an easy first choice. Wisconsin 2024 starter Tawee Walker transferred to Cincinnati for his final year of eligibility, paving the way for Dupree and junior Cade Yacamelli to lead the backfield. The Illinois native saw significant snaps as a true freshman. He flashed enough ability that a 2025 breakout seems like a guarantee.
Offensive tackle Kevin Heywood
Year in 2025: Sophomore
Career Stats: 12 games, most snaps coming on special teams
Recruiting Ranking: Four-star, No. 86 recruit in class of 2024, No. 6 offensive tackle
Analysis: Heywood is close to another guaranteed breakout. The former top-100 recruit was on Wisconsin’s two-deep as a true freshman last season, backing up multi-year starter Jack Nelson at left tackle. Nelson is now off to the NFL, which leaves Heywood as the prohibitive favorite to win the starting job. Wisconsin returns three offensive line starters (LG Joe Brunner, C Jake Renfro, RT Riley Mahlman). Heywood’s play at left tackle could define the group’s season.
Outside linebacker Thomas Heiberger
Year in 2025: Redshirt freshman
Career Stats: Four games, all snaps coming on special teams
Recruiting Ranking: Four-star, No. 463 recruit in class of 2024, No. 40 outside linebacker
Analysis: Heiberger was in line to produce as a true freshman before a training camp injury halted his progress. He did see the field in four games to close the season, all of his snaps on special teams. Heiberger now gets a full offseason to develop in Wisconsin’s outside linebacker room. That room is crowded, with veterans Darryl Peterson, Aaron Witt, Mason Reiger (transfer), Tyreese Fearbry (transfer) and Sebastian Cheeks all set to contribute. Heiberger was good enough to see the field as a true freshman, so it may be challenging to keep him off it in 2025.
Wide receiver Mark Hamper (transfer)
Year in 2025: Redshirt sophomore
Career Stats: 52 receptions, 992 yards, six touchdowns
Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, No. 108 athlete in the class of 2023
Analysis: Hamper is another sure bet to play a significant role on the 2025 Badgers. He, like Traynor, broke out as a redshirt freshman. The wide receiver tallied 48 catches, 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns for a strong Idaho team. He joins a Wisconsin wide receiver room that saw top options Will Pauling and C.J. Williams transfer out this offseason. That leads the way for Hamper, Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna to lead the room.
Safety Matthew Traynor (transfer)
Year in 2025: Redshirt sophomore
Career Stats: 64 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions
Recruiting Ranking: Unranked safety in class of 2023
Analysis: Traynor transfers in after a breakout redshirt freshman season at Richmond. He should have an inside track at the starting safety role opposite veteran Preston Zachman. The redshirt sophomore is one of Wisconsin’s several transfer additions with terrific production at lower-level programs. He’ll join the ‘breakout’ category if he can translate that strong play.
Cornerback Jay Harper
Year in 2025: Redshirt freshman
Career Stats: Has not played
Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, No. 715 recruit in class of 2024, No. 61 cornerback
Analysis: Harper is one of the few underclassman cornerbacks to return to Wisconsin in 2025. He and Omilio Agard represent the room’s depth, with Ricardo Hallman, Geimere Latimer (transfer) and D’Yoni Hill (transfer) leading the room. The Badgers are unlikely to go through another season without any injury or changes at the position. Harper will see the field this season. The question surrounds how he performs.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football 2025 preview underclassman breakouts
