The Camp: A Wisconsin Badgers Football Podcast

Wisconsin was on the field for practice No. 2 of spring on Tuesday. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position to discuss what they saw in their first look at the Badgers this spring. That included Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke sharing reps with the first-team offense, some new faces in the front seven of the defense and more. They close with discussion of two recruits de-committing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are joined by Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo. The guys ask about why the offense didn't click in year 1, how things will be different in year 2, what he's seen from Tyler Van Dyke, his philosophy of having the QB under center in short yardage and goal line situations, excitement around CJ Williams and Trech Kekahuna and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesse got a 1-on-1 with Luke Fickell this week. The guys discuss his comments on an up-and-down first season in Madison, why he called it a humbling experience, his efforts to adjust heading into Year 2 and more. You can read Jesse's article here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin landed its eighth commitment in the 2025 class Monday. Zach and Jesse talk about what EDGE Samuel Lateju brings to the Badgers. They also discuss Gio Paez going into the transfer portal, how the three UW players did at the NFL combine and where Luke Fickell was in The Athletic's ranking of the top 25 coaches in college football. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys discuss what progress in 2024 would look like, the Badgers low over/under win total, whether Wisconsin can compete in an unregulated, pay-for-play environment and which of the UW players at the combine could have the longest NFL career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to talk about Casey Rabach's impact on the recruiting department, whether year 2 is a make-or-break one for Phil Longo and the offense, a few guys the Badgers are targeting on defense and the excitement around EA College Football 25. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to discuss the latest in Wisconsin football. The guys discuss what they learned after getting to talk with the three new assistant coaches, a couple newsy items from Luke Fickell and then Jesse's inside look at what happens on official visits and the money the Badgers spend on them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers are fighting to keep the No. 1 player in the 2025 class home. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest in OL Owen Strebig's recruitment and the importance of keeping the top talent in the state. Then, they dive into their biggest spring ball storylines, including changes along the OL, the progression of the QB room and the changing faces on defense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to discuss the Badgers moving on from offensive line coach Jack Bicknell and what it means moving forward. They also touch on the hire of WR coach Kenny Guiton. Then, with the transfer portal closed for players to enter, the guys discuss the biggest losses for Wisconsin, along with the transfers in they are most excited for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin fell to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Zach and Jesse were in Tampa to take it all in and they break it down. The good (Tanner Mordecai, the passing game, etc.) and the bad (no pass rush, questionable decisions) before discussing some of the offseason questions facing the program. They close by answering some Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse were live in Tampa to breakdown everything that offensive coordinator Phil Longo and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel had to say. That includes Longo on the addition of Tyler Van Dyke, the snapping of Jake Renfro, what Year 2 in the offense could look like and more. They also touch on Tressel's comments about LB Christian Alliegro, the types of linebackers he wants in his system and defensive line depth. The guys then talk about the latest addition from the transfer portal in linebacker Sebastian Cheeks and finish with some Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse were back to discuss some guys that could play bigger roles in the bowl game, a look ahead to what the offensive line and other spots could look like next year, the addition of transfer LB Jahsiah Galvan and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to breakdown what Luke Fickell had to say (and what he didn't) when talking about the transfers the Badgers have added. They also get into his comments on potential bowl replacements for players that have left and his thoughts on the issues facing college football. They close by previewing Signing Day, including the players they think can help early, ones they are most excited to see and a few that seem to be going under the radar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're a week into the portal season. Zach and Jesse talk about the guys heading out and the two latest additions. They also get into which of the quarterbacks connected to Wisconsin make the most sense for Phil Longo's offense, and they finish by discussing the Badgers potentially adding a big final piece to their 2024 recruiting class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to talk about Leon Lowery and his NIL agent, the transfers of Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell, offers to players in the portal, Jack Pugh stepping away from football, NFL decisions for Badgers, what the ReliaQuest Bowl could look like and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin gets the Axe back with a 28-14 win. Zach and Jesse recap the game, including the offensive line dominating, Braelon Allen performance, guys playing through injuries, defense responding after a slow start and more. They also hit on whether Allen played his final game, the uncertainty at QB moving forward and all of your Twitter questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse get together to discuss Wisconsin's trip to face Minnesota on Saturday. They talk about which team has more at stake, injury concerns for the Badgers, whether Chez Mellusi will return for a 6th year, are players being held accountable more under Luke Fickell and they make their Week 13 picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin roared back from a 14-0 deficit to beat Nebraska 24-17 in overtime. The guys talk about the Badgers overcoming another slow start, key plays in the win, Braelon Allen's performance in his likely last home game, Tanner Mordecai delivering in the clutch and they answer your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back to discuss Luke Fickell calling this year tougher than his first year at Cincinnati, what players were saying about a team meeting where grievances were shared, whether Fickell is re-thinking his decision to move to an Air Raid style of offense, Wisconsin gets a commit from in-state OL Michael Roeske and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin found a new low Saturday, losing 24-10 to Northwestern. Zach and Jesse discuss Hunter Wohler's strong comments after the game, where the program finds itself 10 games into Luke Fickell's tenure, what the rest of the season could hold and your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse discuss Luke Fickell talking about what he could have done different to keep Wisconsin out of the situation it's in, his answer to potential changes on offense, some young guys we're interested in, where the Badgers could go for bowl season (assuming they win another game). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin fell at Indiana on Saturday, losing in Bloomington for the first time since 2002. Zach and Jesse breakdown all that went wrong, including some inexplicable mistakes down the stretch. They also hit on some big picture questions about the program and its future. They finish with your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is getting ready for its first trip to Indiana since 2017. Zach and Jesse talk about the potential replacements for Braelon Allen, whether Allen has done enough to leave for the NFL after this year, young players that could potentially see time in the final four games, the special relationship between Ricardo Hallman and Daryl Peterson, Iowa moves on from Brian Ferentz and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin fell to Ohio State for a 10th straight time. Zach and Jesse recap the game, discuss whether the Badgers are closer to the Buckeyes as a program since last year, the injury to Braelon Allen, the play of the defense, Braedyn Locke's performance and your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is getting set to host No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday. The guys talk about Jesse's piece on Luke Fickell's time as a player, the challenge of facing Ohio State, the emergence of Will Pauling as the team's No. 1 receiver, Braedyn Locke on read options and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin roared back from 14 down in the fourth quarter to beat Illinois on Saturday. Zach and Jesse talk about the remarkable turnaround down the stretch, Braelon Allen getting a measure of revenge, WR Nolan Rucci, Braedyn Locke's first start, defense getting stops when needed and answer your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Braedyn Locke met with reporters for the first time since being named the starting quarterback. Zach and Jesse discuss what he had to say. They also get into what the players were saying about last year's Illinois game and its impact on this year, while the guys debate whether Saturday is a fork in the road for the 2023 season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin fell to Iowa on Saturday and lost quarterback Tanner Mordecai. Zach and Jesse talk about the impact of the senior QB's broken hand, his replacement in Braedyn Locke, whether we underestimated the challenge Luke Fickell walked into, where the Badgers have improved since Week 1, answer your Twitter questions and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's rivalry week for the Badgers. They will host Iowa as the two play for the Heartland Trophy. Zach and Jesse talk about former Wisconsin quarterback Deacon Hill returning to Madison as Iowa's starting quarterback, how the Badgers need to force Hill to beat them, some of the best Iowa-Wisconsin moments and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin earned a 24-13 win over Rutgers. Zach and Jesse talk about the play of the game from Ricardo Hallman, the Badgers defense stuffing the run, Tanner Mordecai using his legs to beat defenses, Jackson Acker's debut as Chez Mellusi's replacement, the shotgun snaps, passing game concerns and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is back from its bye week. Zach and Jesse discuss the weekend that was in the Big Ten West, what Luke Fickell had to say about Braelon Allen's role now that Chez Mellusi is out, if Jake Renfro could have a role this week and trying to get more on why Maema Njongmeta barely played vs Purdue. The Big Ten West is not good (3:32) Impact of Mellusi injury on Allen’s workload (6:08) Jake Renfro a viable option this week (10:43) Why Maema Njongmeta didn’t play but one snap (16:56) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the bye week for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse talk about Wisconsin's game against Rutgers being on Peacock, the chances Chez Mellusi returns in 2024, Nathanial Vakos being on pace to set some records and they grade the team through 1/3 of the season. Fans react to the Rutgers game being on Peacock (0:40) Could Chez Mellusi return for a sixth season? (5:33) Nathanial Vakos having himself a season (9:33) Is the B1G West historically bad? (12:13) Grading the Badgers through four games (18:08) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin opened Big Ten play with a 38-17 win over Purdue. Zach and Jesse talk about the devastating loss of Chez Mellusi, the Badgers starting fast, Tanner Mordecai beating the Boilermakers with his feet, the issues in stopping the run and they answer your Twitter questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers will open Big Ten play on Friday at Purdue. Zach and Jesse discuss the biggest questions facing the team, the struggle to get all the offensive weapons involved and the energy inside the program. Will the offense ever be the one we thought it could? (2:40) Should Chez and Braelon be used differently? (6:56) Biggest defensive questions facing UW (16:15) The struggle to keep all the weapons involved (24:02) The energy around the program (31:29)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin bounced back with a 35-14 win over Georgia Southern, but things aren't all sunshine and rainbows. Zach and Jesse talk about another slow start, another strong third quarter, Braelon Allen's tough week, the consistent excellence of Hunter Wohler, whether the Badgers are ready for the Big Ten season and more. Another slow start...what’s the issue? (1:37) Braelon Allen’s ‘tough’ week (12:26) Badgers defense gets TOs but gives up yards (21:00) Tanner Mordecai using his legs (26:15) More excellence from Hunter Wohler (31:42) Your Twitter questions (34:18)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers are getting ready for Georgia Southern. Zach and Jesse discuss what Braelon Allen had to say about his lack of carries against Washington State, how far away the offense is from clicking, putting Tanner Mordecai’s turnovers into context, the lack of playing time for Keontez Lewis, Wisconsin struggling to force turnovers and just how good is Washington State. Braelon Allen on his lack of carries (1:36) How far away is the offense from clicking (8:48) Tanner Mordecai and turnovers (10:27) Keontez Lewis playing time? (15:07) Struggling to create takeaways (19:48) Wazzu...2nd best team on UW’s schedule? (24:37)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin went on the road and fell at Washington State. Zach and Jesse talk about the slow start on both sides, the comeback, Tanner Mordecai gets the passing game going and they answer your Twitter questions. Wisconsin’s defense struggles early (4:08) Fickell says ‘We have the talent to win now’ (8:33) Tanner Mordecai and the passing game (16:37) Your Twitter questions (28:37) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin hits the road to face Washington State. Zach and Jesse discuss the Badgers memories from last year's loss, the challenge of defending quarterback Cam Ward, the #Badgers intense focus on finishing games and more. Last year’s game on Wisconsin’s mind (1:06) QB Cam Ward a huge challenge (4:57) Luke Fickell’s ‘delusional expectations’ (7:48) The lack of stacked boxes in Game 1 (14:40) Finishing 4th quarter games a focus (17:33)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin took its season opener 38-17 over Buffalo. Zach and Jesse talk about the 'one-one punch' of Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi, the up-and-down debut for Tanner Mordecai, the #Badgers defense showing flashes but plenty of work to do and they answer your Twitter questions. -- Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen go off (1:44) -- Up and down debut for Tanner Mordecai (8:31) -- Defense shows flashes, room to improve (19:30) -- Twitter questions (29:40)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has set its depth chart for the first week. Zach and Jesse talk about all the transfers in the two-deep, Bryson Green with the starting unit, potential concerns at tight end and how many points will the #Badgers score this season. Transfers dominate first depth chart (2:01) Bryson Green gets the nod with the starters (10:30) Concerns at TE? (16:20) How many points will Wisconsin score? (28:40) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's season preview time for the #Badgers. Zach and Jesse give their record predictions, one very bold prediction, discuss some over/unders, players under the radar and more. -- Biggest question going into Week 1 (2:47) -- Under the radar players (7:27) -- Toughest game (16:26) -- More dangerous trap game (21:18) -- Over/unders (37:48) -- Bold prediction (46:15) -- Season prediction (51:01)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week 1 is getting close. Zach and Jesse talk about which player or coach is under the most pressure this year, where Tanner Mordecai ranks among Big Ten QBs, play Overreaction or No and discuss Remington Moss' USC offer. Which coach or player is under the most pressure? (3:21) Where Tanner Mordecai ranks among B1G QBs (14:40) Overreaction or No? (22:15) Remington Moss gets USC offer (28:31) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall camp is in the books. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position to breakdown the depth chart as Week 1 approaches. Is Braedyn Locke the clear No. 2 QB? (2:32) Can Tanner Mordecai break UW's passing records? (5:07) Who is the third starter at WR? (10:36) Does Wisconsin have its starting OL set? (17:25) How many DL will play? (21:56) Are secondary spots locked in? (27:48)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The #Badgers were on the field for an extended scrimmage on Saturday morning. Zach recaps that and the injury news for Jake Renfro and the tight ends. -- Jake Renfro dealing with a foot injury (1:38) -- The tight end room takes another hit (4:52) -- WRs make some big plays again (8:14) -- Some standouts on defense (17:32)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're just more than two weeks out from the start of the season. Zach and Jesse are back to talk about the running backs and their role in the passing game and how often Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi could be on the field together. They also get into what Jordan Turner said in his first comments since an offseason suspension for an OWI, true freshmen that could play and Jesse's story on Colin Hitschler as a recruiter. -- 50 catches for Braelon and Chez? (1:24) -- What makes Maema a good pass rusher (17:16) -- LB Jordan Turner speaks about his offseason (20:39) -- True freshmen that could play (27:13) -- Colin Hitschler delivering early as a recruiter (32:13)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin will start inside the AP Top 25 for a seventh straight year. Zach and Jesse discuss whether that's too high or low. They also get into what OC Phil Longo and the QBs had to say about Sunday's scrimmage, the love for WR Bryson Green, where the battle for the No. 3 RB job stands and more. Wisconsin starts at No. 19 in AP poll (1:10) The offense in Sunday's scrimmage (9:32) More love for Bryson Green (11:20) Where things stand at RB3 (25:41) Best and most worrisome position groups (29:16) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fickell met with reporters Saturday to give some updates, including on WR Will Pauling. Zach and Jesse talk about that and also the commitment of Xavier Lucas. Then they get into submitted Twitter questions, including the ramp up in competition under the new staff, whether the WRs are just that good or is the secondary struggling, comparing the 2023 team's talent level to recent Badgers teams and more. -- Injury updates from Luke Fickell (:45) -- Xavier Lucas becomes commit No. 21 (6:34) -- Compete, compete, compete (11:19) -- WRs that good or secondary in trouble? (24:50) -- How talented is the 2023 team? (42:15)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers were on the field for the 8th practice of fall on Thursday morning. Zach and Jesse break it down, including an injury to key playmaker, more big plays from the WRs, some movement along the OL, the QBs stacking success and more. Will Pauling goes down with an injury (0:58) More fireworks from the WRs (4:03) Movement along the offensive line (11:12) Quarterbacks stacking success (21:31) Wisconsin 5th best Big Ten program? (26:47) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The #Badgers put the pads on for the final practice in Platteville. Zach and Jesse discuss Maema Njongmeta's injury, an explosive Braelon Allen, a true freshman on offense getting reps, a more aggressive defensive line and more. Maema Njongmeta sidelined with injury (2:03) - Braelon Allen's explosiveness shows up (4:25) - A true freshman earning reps (24:14) - DL trying to fill production void 27:02) We're excited to announce Homefield Apparel as a partner with The Camp and Zone Madison. They make premium, officially-licensed collegiate apparel featuring more than 150 schools, including Wisconsin. Check out HomefieldApparel.com for the latest vintage gear and use the promo code CAMP23 for 15% off your first purchase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The intensity was ratcheted up in Sunday's practice. Zach recaps what he saw, including a good day for Tanner Mordecai and highly entertaining WR-DB 1-on-1s. Then former Wisconsin LB Chris Hein joins to talk about the #Badgers magical run to the 1993 Big Ten title and Rose Bowl victory. -- Entertaining 1-on-1s for the WRs and DBs (2:15) -- A good day for Tanner Mordecai (5:05) -- Chris Hein on the 1993 Badgers (11:03) We're excited to announce Homefield Apparel as a partner with The Camp and Zone Madison. They make premium, officially-licensed collegiate apparel featuring more than 150 schools, including Wisconsin. Check out HomefieldApparel.com for the latest vintage gear and use the promo code CAMP23 for 15% off your first purchase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.