Saturday’s game against Illinois marks the last of eight matchups for Wisconsin against opponents who were ranked at some point during the 2025 season. While unranked now, the Illini sit comfortably in bowl range at 7-3. On the other sideline, Wisconsin’s troubling season continues with their home finale.
Here are five players to look out for during this Big Ten battle.
Wisconsin: Wide receiver Vinny Anthony II
Anthony II started the 2025 season hot, accumulating 258 yards on 21 catches through the first five games, including a nine catch, 97-yard performance against Michigan. Clearly the initial top target in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’s scheme, the senior wide receiver has cooled off considerably, totalling just six catches and 42 yards since.
Luckily for the Badgers, Illinois’s pass defense has been subpar this season. They allow 258.8 yards per game through the air, the 24th most in all of college football and the most in the Big Ten.
Inconsistent quarterback play, along with run-heavy gameplans from Grimes, has prevented Wisconsin from going over 300 passing yards in any game this season. But the run game has not been much better, possibly propelling Grimes to open up the playbook. Wisconsin’s points have come at a premium, averaging just 12.0 points per game, second worst in all of college football. Only the lowly 0-11 UMass Minutemen have been worse.
True freshman quarterback Carter Smith didn’t look stellar in his first start against Indiana, but at this point in the season, the Badgers could be looking to throw downfield frequently to see if the highly-touted recruit is the future at quarterback. Anthony II has shown he can make plays when given the chance, and this week gives him a stage to showcase those explosive spurts.
Illinois: Wide receiver Hudson Clement
Unlike Anthony, Clement, a West Virginia transfer, was rather invisible in the first half of the season. Through six games, Clement posted just 13 catches for 136 yards and no touchdowns. Against Ohio State in October, the junior wide receiver brought in a season high six receptions for 47 yards. Two weeks later, Clement racked up 84 yards and a touchdown against Rutgers. His success continued this past week vs. Maryland, tallying 72 yards on three catches, as well as two touchdown grabs.
Wisconsin’s secondary has made strides throughout this season, but still allows opponents 228.1 passing yards per game. Quarterbacks have completed over 70% of passes against the Badgers. Depending on how aggressively senior quarterback Luke Altmyer is pressured, Clement could emerge as the main target for the third straight week.
The Badgers’ secondary will likely focus on bracketing standout Illinois senior receiver Hank Beatty, who has the fourth most receiving yards in the Big Ten (758). Facing a near impenetrable run defense, Illinois must turn to the air at Camp Randall. Clement’s recent consistency gives reason to keep eyes on him all game.
Wisconsin: Running back Darrion Dupree (Questionable)
After taking two massive hits against Indiana, breakout running back Gideon Ituka suffered a severe injury with 8:35 to go in the third quarter. He was placed on a backboard and carted off the field. Luckily, Ituka gave a thumbs up upon his exit and tweeted saying he returned on the team plane, but his absence provides a major opportunity for Darrion Dupree.
After playing limited snaps against Washington and Indiana, Dupree could potentially regain his spot as the feature back against Illinois. Posting just six yards on seven carries this past week, and only 181 yards for the season, Dupree hasn’t stood out. Still, the potential for success is there, as he finished second in rushing yards behind Tawee Walker last season.
Teams rush for just 130 yards per game against the Illini, the 36th fewest in all of college football. Less promising is Wisconsin’s 110.5 rushing yards per game this season. However, Dupree has only led the Badgers in carries twice this year. One of those games came against Maryland, in which he gained a season high 52 yards.
In what will be a “prove it” game for all young Badgers, Dupree could capitalize on his opportunities if he is healthy. But his nagging lower body injury, suffered in the shutout loss to Iowa, is a major question mark.
Illinois: Edge rusher Gabe Jacas
For those unfamiliar with the Illinois roster, Jacas stands out as an NFL-ready prospect. His sheer strength and power off the edge has bolstered his resume, tallying 23.0 career sacks and seven this season alone. With three games left, Jacas also has a chance to surpass his season high of eight sacks, which he achieved last year.
A true game wrecker like Jacas is likely to capitalize on Wisconsin’s weakness at offensive line, which has allowed 21.0 sacks thus far. The senior pass rusher wreaked havoc against Rutgers with two sacks and provided constant pressure in the Maryland matchup.
Entering the season, scouts regarded Jacas as a potential third-round pick in the upcoming draft, with all the tangibles to move up to a first-rounder. Don’t be surprised if the 6-foot-3, 275 pound monster disrupts the Wisconsin offense all night.
Wisconsin: Linebacker Darryl Peterson
One of the lone bright spots in the Indiana game, Peterson exploded for a season high six tackles and 2.5 sacks. Doing so against a top five Hoosier offense is more than impressive, and after a quiet start to the season, Peterson can continue his momentum Saturday.
Despite Illinois’ offensive success (30.0 PPG), they have allowed 25 sacks, which is the fourth most in the Big Ten. Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel dialed up a ton of pressure against Heisman favorite Fernando Mendoza, and results were optimal. The defense’s five sacks last weekend make up one third of all sacks allowed by Indiana in 2025 (15).
Against a significantly weaker Illini offensive line, Tressel will likely come with just as much, if not more pressure. Peterson’s power off the edge will play a major role in the Badgers’ upset chances. Going eight straight weeks without a sack, Peterson’s consistency is a worry, but if he rides this momentum, the senior’s final game at Camp Randall is definitely worth monitoring.
