Badgers should reconsider a potential return from an oft-injured starter

The 2023 season saw Renfro play in just the ReliQuest Bowl against LSU at center, with overall a disappointing performance. Last season was completely different, however, as Renfro started all 12 games for Wisconsin and served as an anchor for offense while allowing just one sack all season. This season has been far from what Renfro and the Badgers’ staff had hoped as the potential of a solid season continues to dwindle away.

The starting center had dealt with a potentially serious leg injury ahead of the season but nothing that was concerning for the team. Against Miami (OH), however, Renfro dealt with a shoulder injury that has not gone away since. The center has only played in two games this year as Wisconsin has already begun looking for other options at the position.

Should the Wisconsin Badgers Spend the Rest of the Season Playing Someone Outside of Jake Renfro?

As great as Renfro can be when fully healthy, the reality is that Wisconsin has only had that version of the offensive lineman a handful of times. This season, Renfro has only played 121 snaps so far with a full game against Miami (OH) and a patchwork game against Alabama. Renfro was injured during the game then seemingly checked himself in after both replacement centers had issues snapping the football.

Many coaches would not allow an injured player to power through, but Renfro and the Badgers’ staff are trapped in a difficult situation. Renfro is the only true center on the roster as backups Kerry Kodanko and Ryan Cory are both inexperienced with the nuances of the position. Outside of Kodanko and Cory, Wisconsin did not have any other options at center coming into the season.

While the Badgers should have paid closer attention to the position in the off-season and recruited the proper depth, the only thing that can be done now is try and fail until something works.

Renfro has not played in the last two games for Wisconsin now and his status notably did not change against Michigan despite having an additional week to recover. Reality has truly started to set in for the Badgers as former starting tackle Davis Heinzen has become the new option at center.

Heinzen was notably benched by the staff following a two sack performance against Miami (OH) to open the season. The tackle recorded a pass block rating of 47.8, which was the lowest on the team, but has since worked to switch to center. In his debut at the position, he recorded a pass block rating of 34 and an overall blocking rating of 48.4.

Between how poorly Heinzen and other options have done at center, waiting on Renfro to potentially return certainly makes sense. However, if Wisconsin cannot beat the Iowa Hawkeyes with or without Renfro, then the staff should reconsider playing some of the currently injured players.

Iowa is arguably one of the most vulnerable teams Wisconsin will play against to end the year and failing to secure a win almost certainly ends hopes of a bowl game on paper. Without the potential of extending the season, there is not a good enough reason for Badgers’ players to push to get back on the field.