Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Preston Zachman ranks among PFF's highest-graded returning safeties in Big Ten

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 5:44 PM ET

Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman hasn't been named to any college football award watch lists, but he's well regarded on the back end of Luke Fickell's defense.

After emerging as a solid starter next to Hunter Wohler last season, he's in position to take over as one of the faces of the defense.

According to PFF, he's one of the highest-graded safeties returning to the Big Ten this season.

Highest Graded Returning Big Ten Safeties pic.twitter.com/usmiZ1MTLM
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2025

He was their highest-graded player on the Badgers last season, ahead of NFL Draft picks like Wohler and Jack Nelson.

PFF charted him with six pass breakups, tied with Wohler and Purdue's Dillon Thieneman for the most in the conference. Zachman also missed only one tackle while in pass coverage last season.

Wisconsin Safety Preston Zachman Last Season:

367 Coverage Snaps
1 TD Allowed
2 INTs | 6 PBUs
73.5 Rating Allowed
80.6 Coverage Grade@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/CIXJQGozEi
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 14, 2025

He's stepping into a leadership role in the secondary now, especially as the team adapts to the unexpected loss of cornerback Nyzir Fourqurean for at least the first four games of the season.

Zachman will have to elevate his playmaking to even another level, and Fickell is hopeful that the upgrades Wisconsin made up front will help make the job a little easier behind them.