Five Wisconsin Badgers poised to have breakout seasons

In 13 games last season, Mertz went 169/284 (60% completion percentage) throwing for 1,958 yards, ten touchdowns. and 11 interceptions. He will enter his third season with Wisconsin this fall. He knows the Badgers playbook, he has chemistry with his receivers, and this is his year to be great.

2. #0 Braelon Allen

Allen was recently selected as one of the Badgers’ two preseason AP All-Americans (Nick Herbig). Allen exploded onto the scene last fall as a Freshman and rushed for 1,268 yards on 186 attempts (6.8 yards per carry) with 12 touchdowns. After spending a full year in Madison going through workouts and conditioning, I think he will be even better this year.

3. #19 Nick Herbig

Herbig is undoubtedly one of the best linebackers in the nation. In 13 games last season for the Badgers, Herbig had 61 tackles with 14.5 being tackles for loss. Those numbers are what landed him on the AP Preseason All-American team. Anytime the defense makes a big play, this guy will surely be in on it.

4. #13 Chimere Dike

For Mertz to be successful, he’s going to have to have a go-to guy when the Badgers get in a sticky situation. Dike can be that guy. Out of all the receivers on the 2022 roster, Dike is the most experienced and he is primed to be THE GUY for Wisconsin this fall.

5. #15 Jon Torchio

The top returning defensive back for Wisconsin hat finished last season tied for the team lead in interceptions (3) and after all of the Seniors left or got drafted, statistically, he is the No. 2 tackler on this team. For the Badgers to be successful and win the B1G, Torchio will have to lock things down in the secondary.