Oct 9, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) hands the ball to Wisconsin Badgers fullback John Chenal (44) in the first half of Saturday's game with the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers looking to bring fullback position back with latest offer for 2026 in-state recruit

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 5:26 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers haven't listed a player on their roster as a fullback since 2022.

That's set to change under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes.

The latest sign of shift back to a more pro-style offense came in the form of a priority walk-on offer for 2026 recruit McCoy Smith from Waunakee.

After a great camp, I am grateful to receive PWO offer from the University of Wisconsin to play Fullback. @CoachFick @NateLetton @CoachJoeLudwig @PrepRedzoneWI @MJ_NFLDraft @WHSWarriorsFB pic.twitter.com/oKAYJ9yhpr
— McCoy Smith (@McCoySmith14) June 11, 2025

He plays defensive line, but Wisconsin is interested in him as a fullback and had him perform at that position during a football camp this week.

When previous offensive coordinator Phil Longo came in, he moved then-fullback Riley Nowakowski to tight end.

Jackson Acker and others played some fullback snaps last season, but he was listed as a running back on the roster and is now transitioning to tight end.

Grimes will likely line up multiple players as backfield blockers this season, but so far none of his players have been designated as a true fullback on the roster.

His willingness to recruit the position suggests we'll be seeing even more of the old school blocking role moving forward.

The fullback will be back in Wisconsin’s offense under new OC Jeff Grimes.

“I certainly believe in it and value it and think they can bring another dimension to the offense.”

Full interview on @The_Camp_WI: https://t.co/96i43hgEoM pic.twitter.com/8VdgsShQFL
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) February 5, 2025