⚡ CFB Dashboard

The latter half of Wisconsin's 2025 season was defined by young players stepping into bigger roles on the field, and several then-true freshmen were prominently featured. That group looks poised to make an even greater impact with another spring in the books. Linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. and quarterback Carter Smith are a few of the most significant examples of the '25 class rising into key roles last fall. But there are even more names that saw action on the field, or sat just outside of the rotation and are ready to break out. After a busy two months of spring practice, these are a few second-year players primed for a jump in 2026. CB JAI'MIER SCOTT Scott was a force on the perimeter throughout spring camp, launching up the depth chart as he positioned himself to compete for a starting role in the fall. His physicality on the field and knack for finding the football could give the redshirt freshman a chance to make a substantial impact in Wisconsin's secondary this upcoming season. Scott's tenacity and violence has been at the forefront in practice as he racked up stops in the open field, deflections in coverage and multiple takeaways. He didn't see game action last season, but has quickly risen to the top of an experienced room off the back of his physical presence and consistency. OLB NICOLAS CLAYTON Clayton's potential at the outside linebacker position showed in flashes last year. And after building upon his 6-foot-5 frame and supreme burst, the sophomore has the chance to become a key contributor for a newly retooled outside linebackers unit. That explosiveness arose this spring as Clayton fired off the edge for stops in the backfield, while his improved physicality has shown in his ability to battle in the trenches. The second-year defender put his impact behind the line of scrimmage on display in practice, and he could be set for a breakout campaign. TE EMMETT BORK Bork is another redshirt freshman who's shown significant strides approaching his second season. His pass catching prowess and physicality on the field has quickly boosted Bork into the rotation amid a tightly compacted tight end room. He has made himself into a reliable target for the passing game, soaring across the field with his 6-foot-6, 255-pound frame. Diving catches and crushing blocks have elevated Bork squarely into the mix for significant action alongside multiple tight ends this year.  S CAIRO SKANES Skanes was depended upon as a key depth piece at the cornerback position behind a veteran unit – his physicality and accelerated feel for the game earning him early opportunities. But the sophomore made the transition to safety ahead of this season, and it's already begun to pay dividends. He's secured multiple takeaways in spring practice and his physicality has only become more refined. Playing alongside an experienced back line, Skanes will be tasked with taking on a crucial role as a member of the rotation in 2026.