RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 06: Tyrell Henry #3 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after scoring on a 3 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Camp Randall Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The major story for the Wisconsin Badgers this offseason was the additions in the transfer portal. With more resources, the Badgers were able to bring in over 30 transfers, including new starters at nearly every position as they look to turn things around in 2026.
Still, there was a strong returning core that the Badgers were able to retain, and several of those players are poised for bigger roles in 2026 as Wisconsin is relying on some of its younger talent.
Here are five returners set for much bigger roles in 2026.
WR Eugene Hilton
One of the more high-profile receivers that Wisconsin retained this offseason, Eugene Hilton had briefly entered the transfer portal before deciding the Badgers were his best fit. Now, he’s going to be relied upon in 2026.
Hilton had his ups and downs during spring ball, but frequently rolled with the top unit on offense and was targeted quite often. Even if he doesn’t end up being a “starter”, he should get a ton of receiving snaps and more playing time this year.
The Badgers need better results from their receivers. Transfer Jaylon Domingeaux has a good shot to lead the Badgers in receiving this year, but Hilton could be that No. 2. If that is to happen, though, he needs to continue improving on separation and drops.
WR Tyrell Henry
In addition to Hilton, Tyrell Henry likely sees a big jump from the 86 offensive snaps he played in 2025. Injuries did hurt Henry last season, but the former Michigan State transfer was also initially brought in more for his returning ability.
Now, he’s developed more into a receiver and gotten bigger and willing as a blocker, setting him up to potentially start out of the slot come Week 1. Henry has been used in a lot of ways with his speed, and offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes could manufacture easy touches for him in the short distance part of the field.
We’ll see what the production ultimately becomes, but Henry is poised for a bigger role in 2026.
OLB Nicholas Clayton
Clayton has been one of the more touted recruits that Wisconsin has landed in recent years, and it seems like he’s ready to make the jump after playing only 15 defensive snaps as a true freshman.
Clayton’s calling card is his speed and get-off as a pass rusher, but he’s worked really hard to become bigger, and his now up to nearly 250 pounds at 6’5 after entering Wisconsin in the 212-218 pound range. With the bigger edges that Wisconsin has, he may not necessarily start, but he’ll definitely be tasked with being a key pass rusher for the Badgers this year.
CB Jai’mier Scott
Perhaps no younger player has taken a bigger jump than Jai’mier Scott this offseason, as the cornerback fully took advantage of an open room and is now a projected starter opposite Javan Robinson on the boundary.
Scott, a redshirt freshman, did not see a single defensive snap last year and was behind Cairo Skanes on the depth chart. But he was a constant playmaker at cornerback in the spring and saw a ton of snaps with the top defense.
Even if he gets usurped as a starter in fall camp, he’s poised for a much bigger role as a contributor this season.
DL Charles Perkins
Injuries were the issue for Perkins in 2025, who had enjoyed a quality spring as a disruptor on the defensive line.
Now back for a fifth season, Perkins has the chance for a bigger role this season, with Wisconsin needing those bigger bodies up front to replace a ton of departing production. At 6’2, 330 pounds, Perkins is a bit shorter for the position, but he’s explosive and has a knack for making disruptive plays in the run game.
He should play a good amount alongside Hammond Russell and Junior Poyser.
Honorable Mention: K Gavin Lahm
Lahm is set to assume the full-time kicker duties after only being a kickoff specialist last year. With Nathanial Vakos gone, Lahm is the team’s field goal and extra point kicker without much competition.
Now, the question is: will he be better than what Vakos showed over his last two seasons in Madison? We’ll have to see.
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