Wisconsin football’s 2025 season will largely be defined by the play of its high-profile veteran transfer additions.
Those players will occupy some of the most important positions in the lineup, including quarterback, defensive line, pass-rusher, tight end and wide receiver. In some cases, they’ll be specifically tasked with reversing several years of poor play at their respective position.
Related: Six Wisconsin Badgers underclassmen we predict will break out in 2025
That similar lens can be applied to Wisconsin’s struggles over the past two seasons. The program’s 2023 offseason, aside from the hires of Luke Fickell, Phil Longo and an entirely new coaching staff, was defined by a new-look quarterback room. That group was a combination of inconsistent and injured during the season, as Wisconsin went 7-6 against a relatively easy schedule.
2024 was a similar story. Wisconsin brought in veteran quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to reverse the program’s years of struggles at the position. Van Dyke tore his ACL in the team’s Week 3 loss to Alabama. Backup Braedyn Locke was, at best, inconsistent through the remainder of the year.
Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. now takes over under center entering 2025. He’ll be surrounded by several high-profile transfers, headlined by Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol and Idaho wide receiver Mark Hamper. Those players will be the most important force behind the success, or lack thereof, of Jeff Grimes’ offense in its first year with the program.
Earlier this week, we looked at several Wisconsin underclassmen who were poised for breakout seasons. Now, it’s time to apply the same sentiment to Wisconsin’s veteran corps:
Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (transfer)
Year in 2025: Redshirt senior
Career Stats:Â 26 games, 311 of 496 passing, 3,322 yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Recruiting Ranking:Â Three-star, No. 1,589 recruit in class of 2021, No. 103 quarterback
Analysis: One would argue that Edwards broke out last year as Maryland’s starter. While he did have a career year (65% completion, 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions), we predict an even further breakout — one that will send him enter the national conversation. Edwards delivered those numbers behind a poor offensive line and without much for weapons. At Wisconsin, he should have a strong supporting cast and an offense catered to his strengths.
Tanner Koziol (transfer)
Year in 2025: Senior
Career Stats:Â 36 games, 163 receptions, 1,507 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns
Recruiting Ranking:Â Two-star, No. 2,603 recruit in class of 2021, No. 323 wide receiver
Analysis: Koziol, like Edwards, arguably broke out last season with 94 catches, 839 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. However, there’s a big difference between tallying those numbers in the MAC and in the Big Ten. Koziol replicating those numbers should be viewed as a breakout campaign. Given that he’s projected to be Wisconsin’s top receiving threat, it’s reasonable to expect him to do so.
Wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr.
Year in 2025: Redshirt junior
Career Stats:Â 22 games, 579 receiving yards, six touchdowns
Recruiting Ranking:Â Four-star, No. 342 recruit in class of 2022, No. 52 wide receiver
Analysis: Griffin will be an under-the-radar breakout pick entering the season. He transferred to Wisconsin last offseason after two years at Boston College, though he was forced to sit out the season after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA. The 6’4″ receiver has a big frame that should make him a seamless fit in Grimes’ offense. He’ll have a big opportunity entering the season, as only Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna (slot) are locked in as starters.
Running back Cade Yacamelli
Year in 2025: Redshirt junior
Career Stats:Â 21 games, 69 carries, 443 rushing yards, two touchdowns, eight receptions, 58 receiving yards
Recruiting Ranking:Â Three-star, No. 1,109 recruit in class of 2022, No. 77 athlete
Analysis: Wisconsin neglected to feature Yacamelli out of the backfield in 2024 despite him averaging a whopping 8.3 yards per carry. With starter Tawee Walker gone to Cincinnati and rising sophomore Darrion Dupree the only other top option in the room, Yacamelli could break out in a big way this season. The big question is opportunity. If he gets the football, he’s shown an ability to do big things.
Pass-rusher Tyreese Fearbry (transfer)
Year in 2025: Redshirt junior
Career Stats:Â 27 games, 21 tackles, one for loss, two pass deflections
Recruiting Ranking:Â Four-star, No. 185 recruit in class of 2022, No. 18 edge rusher
Analysis: Fearbry is a high-ceiling addition. He has the physical frame and tools to be an impact pass-rusher. That potential never materialized into production at Kentucky, however. Wisconsin hopes he has a bigger impact than last year’s pass-rushing additions Leon Lowery and John Pius had.
Inside linebacker Tackett Curtis
Year in 2025: Junior
Career Stats:Â 24 games, 67 tackles, six for loss, two sacks, three pass deflections, one forced fumble.
Recruiting Ranking:Â Four-star, No. 110 recruit in class of 2023, No. 9 linebacker
Analysis: Curtis saw extended playing time in each of his first two collegiate seasons. He will be one of the more important players on Wisconsin’s defense entering the season, as the variance between his floor and ceiling are as wide as any player. He is a breakout pick because Wisconsin needs a No. 2 linebacker next to Christian Alliegro. Curtis is the best candidate to excel in that role.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football 2025 preview upperclassman breakouts
