Senior wide receiver Vinny Anthony II has had a promising start to his 2025 campaign with the Wisconsin Badgers. Through Wisconsin’s first three games of the season, Anthony leads the team in receptions (9) and has the third most receiving yards (115). Anthony II, in his fourth season with the Badgers, looks primed to put up big numbers this year.
Vinny Anthony II wasn’t a big time recruit coming into college. In his freshman season in 2022, Anthony didn’t have any receptions. However, he showed some potential in his second year, finishing the 2023 season with 10 catches for 99 yards.
His junior season was his breakout year. Anthony finished the 2024 season with 39 receptions, 672 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Badgers in receiving yards.
Now, Anthony II has climbed his way into being a top option in Wisconsin’s passing attack. The Badgers will depend on him to make big plays through a grueling 2025 schedule.
In their most recent game, the Badgers fell to the now No. 14 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite hauling in just one catch for eight yards, Anthony II popped off for a 95 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter. This was one of the few bright spots of the game for the Badgers, as they were only able to produce 209 yards of offense and 14 points.
When asked about his return after the game, Anthony II stayed humble. “The blockers did a great job, I just did my job running straight…I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.
That touchdown return wasn’t just a fluke. In his career at Wisconsin, Anthony II has returned the football 28 times for a whopping 749 yards. That's just under 27 yards per return. Anthony II will continue to get opportunities on special teams, as he is the Badger’s primary kick returner.
After the game, Anthony II shrugged off the loss, putting his focus on the Badger’s next contest. “Yeah it’s a loss, but it's a loss we can learn from,” he said. “We’re gonna go back and look at the film, flush it and move on to next week.”
Wisconsin is back in action this Saturday as they take on the undefeated Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall. Anthony II will look to continue his hot start to the season and help the Badgers get back in the win column.
