A cast of freshmen have injected a surge of energy and promise into the Wisconsin Badgers’ season, with multiple young and hungry players stepping up to fill critical roles in all three phases.
Defense
True freshmen have had a significant impact on both sides of the ball. On the defensive end, linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano have quickly become two of Wisconsin’s best players. Their performances have given the Badgers a chance to stay in games against ranked teams like Oregon and Indiana and were crucial in securing a much-needed win against Washington.
Catalano, a Wisconsin native and Posa, a standout from New Mexico, put up huge numbers and have shown relentless effort in every opportunity that’s been given to them. After the Badgers’ most recent home win against then No. 23 Washington, both linebackers were honored by the Big Ten.
Catalano was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the first Wisconsin freshman to win the award since 2009. He collected 19 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack — the most tackles for a Power 4 freshman since 2017. Posa was also named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after putting up 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble — becoming the first FBS player this season to accomplish this stat line in a game.
“They’re just doing a great job and they’re playing the game the way the game is supposed to be played,” head coach Luke Fickell said. “They bring that energy, they have a communication side to them and there’s some natural things that you don’t teach. They got that.”
Offense
After a tense season with quarterback switches and injuries, fourth-string true freshman Carter Smith stepped up against the Huskies. Despite a difficult day through the air — completing just 3-of-12 passes for only eight yards — Smith impressed with his running ability, racking up 47 yards on 15 carries and a rushing touchdown — Wisconsin’s only touchdown of the game.
More than that, Smith was a steady hand in an offense that has lacked stability all season.
“He gave us a chance. He gave us hope,” Fickell said.
Continuing on the offensive end, running back Gideon Ituka has stepped up majorly for the Badgers, filling in for injuries to running backs Dilon Jones and Darion Dupree. He made his first career start against then No. 6 Oregon, rushing for 85 yards on 21 carries, and stayed consistent with another strong performance in Wisconsin’s upset win over Washington, rushing for 73 yards on 19 carries Ituka has totaled 223 yards on 51 carries on the year, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.
Ituka was carted off the field with an injury in the third quarter against No. 2 Indiana. Fickell offered an encouraging report after the game.
“Gideon flew home with us, walked on the plane and had a smile on his face like he always does,” Fickell said.
Special Teams
A second-string punter from Mequon, WI, Sean West has played a prominent special teams role in 2025 for the Badgers, regularly flipping the field with strong, high-yardage punts — averaging 52 yards over 11 punts, including a long of 54.
Earlier this season against Ohio State, West converted a fourth-and-19 by running for 20 yards and a first down — Wisconsin’s longest run from scrimmage in the contest. He struck again against Washington a couple weeks later with a 24-yard pass to fullback Jackson Acker, which also became Wisconsin’s longest completion of the night. West’s ability to pull off multiple successful fake punts has kept both fans and opponents on their toes.
“What an incredible job he did today. Sean has shown us over and over again on a consistent basis that he’s got a really good leg,” Fickell said after the Ohio State game. “The play that he made was not something that was called. But it’s a case of a young guy making a play. He beat two of their better players and so there’s a bright spot in a kid that’s dying to be here.”
The freshmen uprising within the Badgers’ football squad has energized both the team and fans at Camp Randall. The defense’s resurgence, marked by improved tackling, sacks and game-changing plays from Posa and Catalano, sets a foundation for future seasons. Renewed optimism and an ability to perform under pressure are crucial to building a core for continued success in the seasons to come.
