Wisconsin Badgers' most underrated defensive players entering spring camp

The Wisconsin Badgers have some budding stars to anchor their defense, but they'll need plenty of other players to step up to replace offseason departures.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Wisconsin Badgers lost most of their defensive production from the previous season, but with a strong finish to 2025 and a solid core of underclassmen, there's momentum building on the defensive side. While they'll rely on new faces, the Badgers brought in plenty of talent this offseason to compete for the vacated starting roles. The article highlights several players who could exceed expectations, including transfers and returning underclassmen at positions like interior defensive line, edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Why it matters

The Badgers' defense will need to replace significant production from last season, so the development of these underrated players will be crucial to maintaining the team's defensive success in 2026. Identifying and developing new contributors is key for the Badgers to remain competitive in the Big Ten.

The details

On the interior defensive line, Illinois State transfer Jake Anderson is a heralded portal addition who could start in 2026. At edge rusher, Nick Clayton has the talent to break out after being overshadowed by other young players last season. Linebacker Thomas Heiberger is looking to stay healthy and earn a bigger role after injuries limited him as a freshman. In the secondary, cornerback Jai'mier Scott and safety Carson Van Dinter are poised to step up with experienced starters departing.

  • In the 2025 season, Thomas Heiberger appeared in 11 games, making three starts and accumulating seven tackles - all in the last five games of the campaign.
  • In January 2026, the Badgers added Carson Van Dinter, a safety transfer from Iowa State, as their first portal acquisition of the cycle.

The players

Jake Anderson

An Illinois State (FCS) transfer who was a heralded prospect in the portal, Anderson logged 52 tackles, including 7.5 for loss with three sacks while helping the Redbirds reach the FCS National Championship game in 2025.

Nick Clayton

An edge rusher who generated plenty of hype last offseason, but now has an opening to capitalize on with the departures of Mason Reiger, Darryl Peterson and Corey Walker.

Thomas Heiberger

A linebacker who finally began to look like himself toward the back end of the 2025 season after sustaining significant injuries as a true freshman and last spring.

Jai'mier Scott

A four-star recruit and redshirt freshman cornerback who flashed throughout spring and camp and should push the transfer additions this offseason.

Carson Van Dinter

A safety transfer from Iowa State who played 180 defensive snaps last season, making 18 tackles, and is slated to fill an important backup role for the Badgers.

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What they’re saying

“I THINK NICK CLAYTON IS IN THAT (CATALANO/POSA) CATEGORY OF PLAYERS.”

— Coach Mitch, OLB Coach (ESPN Madison)

“OLB coach Matt Mitchell said Thomas Heiberger was on his way to playing as a true FR before getting injured. 'I think he's earned the right to get back out there and put himself in position to compete (when healthy).”

— Matt Mitchell, OLB Coach (Zach Heilprin)

The takeaway

The Badgers' defense will need to replace significant production from last season, so the development of these underrated players will be crucial to maintaining the team's defensive success in 2026. Identifying and developing new contributors is key for the Badgers to remain competitive in the Big Ten.