Ranking 2026 Wisconsin Football Position Groups On Defense

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 28: Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Javan Robinson (12) holds the ball up after a fumble recovery during the college football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 28, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Fall camp  is in full swing for Luke Fickell’s fourth Wisconsin Badgers squad, so here’s Part 2 of my series ( Part 1 is here ) where I rank the Badgers’ position groups. Today’s flavor is defense.

I’m breaking them out into defensive line, edge/outside linebacker, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

No. 1: Linebacker

It should be no shock that  this unit is at the top of my rankings , with sophomore stalwarts  Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano  returning to make lives miserable for opposing offenses, and newcomers Jon Jon Kamara and Thomas Heiberger hoping to take that vital next step. Aaron Witt and transfer Taylor Schaefer will also get snaps and should provide some solid depth.

This might be the best group on the whole team, offense or defense, and the scary thing is it could take a sizable leap from 2025, when it was very good. Yes,  losing Christian Alliegro  to Ohio State hurts, but it’s also a symptom of how strong this room is.

No. 2: Cornerback

In contrast to linebacker, this one might surprise many of you. But I really like this totally rebuilt unit, which is now flush with both talent and athletes.

2025’s cornerbacks felt like they were hanging on for dear life sometimes, and now there are legitimate competitions everywhere involving guys with real skill and upside.

Talented transfer Javan Robinson  will lead here, but after him there are a sizable number of what I would term  potential dudes  who could command real playing time: Bryce West, Cai Bates, Jai’mier Scott, Eric Fletcher, Jr., and Raphael Dunn.

Fall camp will shake things out, but the Wisconsin cornerback room is in a better place than it was in 2025.

No. 3: Defensive Line

I’d argue that this unit was Wisconsin’s best in 2025, so there are huge shoes to fill, literally and figuratively, for a group that has been almost totally rebuilt.

Massive transfer Junior Poyser  has an intriguing game, including the ability to get to the quarterback, and we all know what upside Charles Perkins could unleash if he puts it all together and stays healthy.

Hammond Russell, Dillan Johnson, Nolan Vils, Xavier Ukponu, and DeNigel Cooper are all chess pieces with varying levels of upside that fall camp will sort out.

While I don’t think this version of the line will be as robust as 2025’s, it should end up solid.

No. 4: Edge

In a similar way the wide receiver room does, this group feels like a toolbox full of potential which lacks proven guys. I’m not sure where the production will come from  beyond Sebastian Cheeks . Missing Mason Reiger with no obvious high-end replacement is a bit worrisome.

That all said, it wouldn’t shock me if a couple of guys make a real leap. Justus Boone and  Nicolas Clayton  both strike me as players who could break through, especially Clayton, but neither is a sure thing, and Boone has had trouble staying healthy. Liam Danitz, Jayden Loftin, Michael Garner, and Jaylen Williams all have real upside that could find its way to the field in 2026.

This is very much a  show me don’t tell me  unit, and I’m hoping that it can rise to the challenge. Having linebackers who can get to the quarterback like Posa can only help their buddies in this neighboring room.

No. 5: Safety

It seems like a good sign that a group which could be as good as this one is ranked last here.

Let’s start with Marvin Burks, Jr. , the skilled, experienced transfer from Missouri. If he’s as advertised, he will lead Wisconsin’s Safeties and leave several opponents groaning in pain throughout the fall.

Beyond Burks, Matt Jung will start and can be a big reason why the unit is productive. He’ll have to elevate his game to do so, but his coaches seem to believe that he can.

Transfer Carson Van Dinter and Grant Dean will likely get the first shots at snaps after the starters, and both have tangible upside but lack meaningful experience. A bit like Edge, this unit could go a lot of ways in 2026.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →