Wisconsin Badgers: Former Walk-On Could Develop Into Surprise Producer During 2025 Season

The Wisconsin Badgers have been known to be a ‘development program’ that highlights taking players with the right size to the next level.

Wisconsin often is involved in the walk-on market and has been a program known to add multiple preferred walk-ons each season. One such player who earned an offer in the 2023 class was Nolan Vils, an in-state product from Prairie Du Sac who always dreamed of playing for his home state program. Vils joined the program as a very raw prospect who did not land on the radar of many college programs, but the defensive lineman had great size for the position at 6-foot-2-inches, and roughly 265-pounds.

Fast forward to now, and the redshirt sophomore had gained nearly 30-pounds and silently has been one of the more consistent developers behind the scenes. Vils has not recorded any statistics for the Badgers thus far, but the development is certainly starting to show for the former walk-on

Wisconsin Badgers Walk-On Nolan Vils Could Become Key Defensive Lineman During Upcoming Season

The Wisconsin Badgers needed defensive line help like no other this off-season after producing one of the worst seasons in recent history in 2024. Wisconsin allowed 629-yards rushing and went 0-3 in rivalry games last season which stung in particular. Additionally, the Badgers recorded 17 sacks but 13.5 of the sacks were recorded by non-defensive linemen despite Wisconsin previously adding talent known for getting to the quarterback.

While many faces have come and gone the past few years, Vils has been a mainstay in the room and waiting for his chance might pay off during the upcoming season. The room is arguably deeper than previous years, with new additions Charles Perkins, Parker Petersen, Jay’viar Suggs set to join returning players Dillan Johnson, Brandon Lane, Ben Barten, and Jamel Howard.

However, the constant development of Vils and his deep understanding of the defense could propel the recruit into a position where he is able to see the field during the upcoming season.