Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Tucker Ashcraft (38) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers top tight end to miss rest of fall camp with lower body injury

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 11:57 AM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers need more out of the tight end position in 2025. They'll have to do it without their top option, in the short term.

Team officials announced Thursday that junior tight end Tucker Ashcraft will miss the remainder of fall camp with a lower body injury he suffered earlier this week.

Badgers TE Tucker Ashcraft suffered a lower body injury earlier this week. Will be held out for the remainder of fall camp, per Wisconsin spokesperson.
— Jake Kocorowski (@JakeKoco) August 14, 2025

Wisconsin's season-opener against Miami (OH) is in exactly two weeks, and it's unclear if Ashcraft will be available by then.

He led Badgers tight ends in targets, catches and receiving yards last season, although it was a low bar to clear. He finished the year with only 12 catches for 82 yards.

New offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is expected to utilize the position more in his system, and Wisconsin might need alternative options to step up.

that QB to TE connection was solid today @lancemason34 x @ashcraft_tucker x @JtSeagreaves pic.twitter.com/sKTnpAA4ih
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 3, 2025

The leading candidate looks to be transfer Lance Mason, who came over late in the spring from FCS Missouri State.

He's more of a dynamic pass catcher than a physical blocker at the line of scrimmage. Fullback Jackson Acker will also be in the mix as he lines up all over the offense.

Redshirt freshman Grant Stec has seen some first team reps along the way and could be pressed into a bigger role if Ashcraft misses extended time.