The Wisconsin Badgers are still in search of their first Big Ten win of the season after consecutive losses to Maryland, Michigan and most recently, a scoreless game against Iowa. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes are undefeated so far with a 6-0 record and have stood steadily at the No.1 spot since week 2. As these programs square off Saturday, these are players to watch.
Wisconsin
Christian Alliegro
The junior inside linebacker has remained a consistent and reliable force for the improved Badgers defense. He leads the unit with 40 tackles and two sacks this season as one of the group’s most experienced players. Alliegro has repeatedly displayed his physicality and strength against opponents since becoming a starter late in the 2024 season. Despite the Badgers’ 37–0 loss to Iowa last week, he posted a season-high 11 tackles, underscoring his impact even in defeat. Alliegro will once again anchor Wisconsin’s defense as it faces a dynamic Ohio State offense.
Lance Mason
The transfer tight end has been one of Wisconsin’s most prominent offensive players this season, even amid struggles along the offensive line. Mason leads the Badgers in receiving touchdowns and ranks second in total receiving yards. Against Maryland, he accounted for Wisconsin’s only touchdown, finishing with five receptions for 45 yards and the team’s lone trip to the end zone. With Mason’s steady presence in the passing game, the Badgers will look to find rhythm and balance against Ohio State’s defense.
Ricardo Hallman
The graduate cornerback has remained a key stabilizer in Wisconsin’s secondary with experience and composure. Through six games, Hallman has totaled 12 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception, continuing to showcase his steady coverage and technique. His ability to read routes and defend the pass has been vital for a defense often tested by high-powered offenses. Hallman’s veteran presence in the cornerback room and reliability in one-on-one coverage will be crucial as the Badgers prepare to face Ohio State’s deep and explosive receiving corps.
Dilin Jones
Redshirt freshman running back Dilin Jones has been a bright star of the Badgers offense this season, leading with 68 carries for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Jones has emerged as a reliable playmaker in the backfield despite the shift from the traditional, run-heavy Wisconsin offensive scheme. Against Michigan and Iowa, he set personal season highs in rushing yards in consecutive weeks and scored Wisconsin’s only touchdown to open the game in Ann Arbor. Jones continues to prove his growing impact on the Badgers’ offense.
Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate
Ohio State’s star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has quickly become a household name with his standout performances since the start of his collegiate career and is already part of early Heisman discussions. His counterpart, Carnell Tate, complements him perfectly, offering the Buckeyes a dynamic receiving duo capable of adapting to any defensive scheme. In their win over Minnesota, Tate recorded a career-high nine receptions on 10 targets for 183 yards, while Smith hauled in two touchdowns to power a 42-point blowout. Together, Smith and Tate form the most lethal offensive weapon Wisconsin’s defense will face this season.
Caleb Downs
Junior safety Caleb Downs has continued to be a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense, showcasing the same instincts and physicality that made him one of the nation’s top recruits. Throughout the 2025 season, Downs has totaled 18 solo tackles and one interception, reinforcing his reputation as a steady, disciplined playmaker in the secondary. His range and ability to diagnose plays allow him to provide consistent support in both run defense and deep coverage. As Wisconsin looks to find rhythm on offense, Downs’ presence over the top will be key in asserting the Buckeyes’ defensive dominance.
Arvell Reese
The junior linebacker rose rapidly this year as one of the most disruptive defenders in Ohio State’s front seven. So far, he has totaled 38 tackles and leads the Buckeyes with 4.5 sacks this season, repeatedly showing his powerful defensive abilities. Last week, Reese notched nine tackles and 1.5 sacks versus Illinois, anchoring a defense that has smothered opponents on the ground. His blend of speed and power off the edge has made him a constant threat in opposing backfields. The 6-foot-4 linebacker’s presence will be pivotal in disrupting Wisconsin’s offensive plays.
Julian Sayin
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin’s performance as a first-year starter exceeds the high expectations, with a high completion rate and over 1,400 passing yards halfway through the season. Sayin currently leads all FBS quarterbacks with an 80.2% completion rate, showcasing elite precision and intelligence. His combination of accuracy, field vision and chemistry with the Buckeyes’ explosive wide receiver duo has made him one of the most efficient passers in college football. As Wisconsin’s defense looks to pressure the pocket, containing Sayin’s rhythm and decision-making will be one of its biggest challenges and targets on Saturday.
