Wisconsin Badgers: Notable Injury Situations Being Monitored Closely During 2025 Opener

Despite some injury concerns earlier in the week, starters Billy Edwards Jr. and Jake Renfro have been fully cleared ahead of the season opener. Edwards Jr. twisted his leg in practice previously and had been taking things easy while supplementing in a brace. Renfro, however, suffered an injury that was originally thought to be potentially very serious, but will be back in action.

Two other players who have been cleared are Kerry Kodanko and Ricardo Hallman, who both were banged up this week. Hallman is still listed on the current injury report but stated during his media availability that he is “100% ready to go” after missing time with an ankle injury. Other notable players who had also been listed were Jackson Acker and Dilin Jones, but both are expected to play.

One man who was not cleared however was tight end Tucker Ashcraft, who could miss multiple weeks as the Wisconsin Badgers do not have a timetable for his return. Ashcraft will reevaluate how he is feeling on Monday and then the staff will begin to create a plan, but the tight end likely will need more time as Wisconsin does not want to rush things.

Billy Edwards Jr. Fully Cleared to Play Without Restrictions Despite Practice Scare

Edwards Jr. went down earlier in the week with an injury but stated that there are no worries ahead of the game. The quarterback will consider wearing a brace during the game, but will wait until the game to decide whether or not that will be necessary.

Edwards Jr. was the primary transfer portal target the Wisconsin Badgers staff set this offseason after two seasons in a row of subpar quarterback play. Injuries and a talent of game-ready talent led to many of the issues, but the Badgers sought out Edwards Jr. due to his professionalism and ability to run an offense. The debut of the quarterback in a Wisconsin jersey has been a highly anticipated one, and Edwards Jr. should be able to deliver despite some potential lingering soreness.

Health of Jake Renfro to be Watched Closely Throughout Season

While Renfro admits the injury was a very difficult scare to come to terms with, the center is set to play without any limitations against Miami. The scare, however, is one that hits too close to home as Renfro missed the entire 2022 season due to an injury and only played in one game in 2023.

Renfro established himself as a vital part of the offense last season after starting 12 games for the Badgers and giving up just 13 sacks as a unit, the third-fewest in the conference. The center was credited with allowing just one sack and ten pressures across 375 pass rushing opportunities. Wisconsin has other capable people who can step into the role, but a healthy Renfro is needed to hit some of the goals the program has established for themselves.