Wisconsin Badgers: 3 Vital Players on Offense Against Miami RedHawks

Miami might be a MAC program and one of the lesser opponents on the schedule for Wisconsin, but that is precisely why the team needs to put together a palatable performance. The RedHawks, much like the Badgers, have spent numerous amounts of time and resources on retooling the roster for the upcoming season as in-house expectations remain the same.

On offense, the Wisconsin Badgers have added major contributors such as Billy Edwards Jr., Lance Mason, and Davis Heinzen. The staff expects changes on the field in a major way and if the performances from the offense in camp are any indication of growth, then the Badgers should look far different production wise during the 2025 season.

Before goals, expectations, and even overreactions can be fully processed, the Badgers will first have to rely on the following players against Miami.

#1. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. 

The Wisconsin Badgers entered the transfer portal with plenty of needs but none with quite the same urgency as quarterback. In a time where retention is everything, the Badgers saw major turnover in the quarterback room after the departure of Phil Longo and introduction of Kenny Guiton and Jeff Grimes to the position.

The man the Wisconsin Badgers truly fell in love with due to his need to consistently improve was Billy Edwards Jr., the former Maryland starting quarterback. Edwards Jr. has been nothing short of impressive since joining the Badgers and not only earned the starting role but consistently solidified his place throughout camp. All eyes will be on Edwards Jr. during the Miami game specifically due to the past struggles Wisconsin faced at the position.

While the RedHawks added talent to the defense such as starting cornerback Koy Beasley, the secondary is still generally weak. Miami lost four out of the top six corner backs on the roster last season and will ride with mainly sophomores as backups. If there was a game this season where Edwards Jr. would put everything together and look incredibly precise, that result likely will come against the unproven secondary of Miami.

#2. Wide Receiver Chris Brooks Jr. 

Simply put, Chris Brooks Jr. could manhandle his way into the endzone against the RedHawks due to his size and improved strength. Brooks Jr. impressed the Wisconsin Badgers staff throughout camp with his blocking skills and added size. The willingness of the receiver to get dirty and do things most other receivers may not want to do is what really sold the Badgers staff, and also earned the receiver a starting role.

Between the new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., an attack through the air against Miami is certain. The ball will likely be spread out with receivers such as Trech Kekahuna offers dangerous speed against the secondary. But, Brooks Jr. could be the catalyst for the Badgers as his size and frame is uncommon in the MAC.

The MAC has been known to play fast-paced, up-tempo football with an emphasis on each player being able to maintain an impressive gas tank. Last season, the top six wide receivers in the conference were all under 6-feet tall, highlighting the natural mold for the position in the conference. Brooks Jr. is massive receiver muscularity wise and will have a size advantage against the Miami secondary.

#3. Running Back Dilin Jones 

Wisconsin mentioned than a return to a more powerful run style on the field was likely, and the RedHawks are arguably the best team to try power plays against. Jones is not necessarily the most powerful running back on the field, but his combination of speed, power, and agility may prove to be too much for the Miami defense given some glaring issues.

Miami runs a 4-2-5 defense but the team lost significant production virtually everywhere on the defense, leaving many question marks. The RedHawks notably lacked linebacker depth last season but had a stellar defensive line to cover many of the holes. Without key defenders along the line anymore, the Badgers only need to blow past one man before both the depth and the talent drops off.

If Jones can find a way to consistently fly past the defensive line, then the running back could force Miami to make defensive adjustments on the fly. The linebackers and secondary of the RedHawks are already going to be tested through the air, but the ground is what could really break the defense.