Wisconsin Badgers Freshman ILB Expected to Contribute During Big 2025 Season

The Wisconsin Badgers have been very high on a true freshman linebacker who is currently on track to play throughout the season.

Cooper Catalano, a former 2025 class in-state three-star linebacker, joined the Wisconsin program as a great developmental addition at the time. However, Catalano has impressed the staff in a short time throughout camp with his physicality and play recognition.

When asked about the possibility of Catalano playing throughout the season, defensive coordinator Mike Tressel stated, “I would imagine he is going to play.” Tressel added that Catalano is a “guy who finds the ball” and his instincts on the field are a big reason why the linebacker is going to be on the field during the season. Catalano is now expected to burn his redshirt year, as true freshmen predominantly sit out the first year of college to develop.

Cooper Catalano Set to Burn Redshirt Year, Play Early for Wisconsin Badgers 

Tressel is extremely high on Catalano and fellow freshman linebacker Mason Posa, and the defensive coordinator felt like each linebacker proved how special they can be during specific practices. The defensive coordinator did not provide the exact practices or moments that led to such a determination, but Tressel feels as though he has seen each linebacker put everything together on the field already.

Currently, Catalano is expected to be the backup to starting middle linebacker Tackett Curtis but nothing has been officially announced yet. Tressel stated that much can still change and there are “a lot of guys who can slide over” if needed. One such option mentioned would be Thomas Heiberger, who was expected to play a great deal last season until an injury was suffered at the end of camp.