Wisconsin Badgers: Young TE Stepping Up in Big Way Following Ashcraft Injury

The Wisconsin Badgers went down a tight end halfway through preseason camp but may have quickly found the solution short-term.

Tucker Ashcraft, back-up tight end and expected core part of the offensive rotation, suffered a lower body injury during camp that has left him in a boot. The exact timetable for the absence of Ashcraft is unknown and the Wisconsin Badgers staff have been quiet about when a potential return could occur. With Ashcraft seemingly remaining week to week, someone needs to provide support at the tight end position which has a much bigger value to the new offense.

Enter redshirt freshman Grant Stec, and the Wisconsin Badgers may have found just the right man for the job for a variety of reasons. Stec joined the program as part of the 2024 class, and was a four-star recruit in the class coming out of Algonquin, Illinois. Stec was not able to crack the rotation last year due to the amount of bodies the Badgers had and subsequently took a redshirt season.

During camp, however, Stec impressed and displayed both great physicality and also solid receiving skills that set him apart from the rest of the tight end room.

Despite Injury to Tucker Ashcraft, Grant Stec Fills Void for Wisconsin Badgers

Originally, the injury to Ashcraft while not considered to be serious was thought to have an impact on the performance of the team against Miami (OH). Ashcraft is an experienced blocker while also providing a boost in the receiving game, and his presence on the field was a positive one for Wisconsin a season ago. Additionally, starter Lance Mason received a late start and Ashcraft had been with the team all throughout the transition of offensive leadership.

However, Stec proved to be a very capable replacement and flashed promise as both a blocker and a receiver within the offense. The Wisconsin Badgers previously hired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes to revitalize the offense and part of that plan included bringing production back to the tight end room. Stec showed flashes in his first real action with Wisconsin of such a tight end and could continue to develop into a game-changer for the team.