Wisconsin practice takeaways: Tanner Koziol’s worth and Trech Kekahuna’s injury.

Spring practice for college football teams is a critical time to gauge the development of players and evaluate the team’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season. For the Wisconsin Badgers, 2025 spring practice has been a time of significant evaluation, as head coach Luke Fickell and his staff aim to prepare their roster for the challenges of the fall. While the practices have revealed positive signs, there have also been setbacks, including an injury to one of the team’s promising young players.

Among the notable takeaways from the spring practice sessions have been the standout performances of Tanner Koziol, an offensive lineman who has garnered attention for his potential, and the concerning injury to Trech Kekahuna, a rising star at wide receiver. Let’s dive deeper into what these developments mean for the Wisconsin Badgers as they navigate through spring drills.

Tanner Koziol’s Rising Stock: A Key Piece of Wisconsin’s Offensive Line

One of the biggest storylines coming out of Wisconsin’s spring practices has been the continued development of Tanner Koziol, an offensive lineman who looks poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 season. After a solid 2024 season, Koziol has come into his own during spring practice, drawing praise from the coaching staff and teammates alike for his consistency, strength, and technique.

Koziol’s Growth as an Offensive Lineman

Koziol, a 6’5″, 320-pound junior, is one of the anchors of the Badgers’ offensive line, a unit that has been known for its size and physicality over the years. Wisconsin’s offensive line has long been one of the most dominant groups in college football, and Koziol’s emergence as a standout player only adds to the team’s reputation for excellence in the trenches.

At the beginning of spring practice, Koziol was expected to be one of the top contenders for a starting role, and he has certainly proven worthy of that distinction so far. His ability to win in both run-blocking and pass-protection has been a key focus, as the Badgers aim to strike a better balance between their traditional run-heavy offense and the evolving passing game.

Throughout the spring sessions, Koziol has showcased improved footwork, quickness, and a high football IQ, making him a dependable force on the offensive line. His ability to recognize defensive schemes and adjust in real-time has made him a leader in the locker room and on the practice field. Moreover, his communication with the rest of the offensive line has been exceptional, as he helps to facilitate the blocking schemes for both the running backs and quarterbacks.

The Impact on Wisconsin’s Offensive Line Depth

Koziol’s strong performance during the spring has added stability to a unit that will have to replace several key players from the 2024 season. Wisconsin’s offensive line depth is critical for the team’s success, especially as they work to incorporate new offensive concepts under Coach Fickell. Koziol’s steady presence at left guard, coupled with his leadership, could be a key asset for the Badgers in 2025.

Additionally, his ability to be versatile—he’s shown the capacity to play multiple positions along the offensive line—provides Wisconsin with valuable depth. His presence may allow for greater flexibility in shifting players around depending on the matchup, which could be crucial in maintaining a dominant ground game and protecting the quarterback.

The Road Ahead for Koziol

Moving forward, Koziol will continue to be a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s offensive line. He’ll likely remain one of the top candidates to start at left guard in 2025, but given his versatility, he could also see time at tackle or center depending on the needs of the team. For Koziol, the goal is clear: continue to refine his technique, build chemistry with his fellow offensive linemen, and help create the type of physical, dominant running game that Wisconsin is known for.

If Koziol’s growth continues at this pace, he could be one of the best offensive linemen in the Big Ten, helping Wisconsin to a successful 2025 season while also raising his stock for a future in the NFL.

Trech Kekahuna’s Injury: A Setback for Wisconsin’s Passing Game

While Koziol’s development is a positive story for Wisconsin, the Badgers’ spring practices have not been without their challenges. One of the most concerning developments has been the injury to Trech Kekahuna, a talented wide receiver who was expected to make a significant impact in 2025. Kekahuna, who had a breakout performance during the 2024 season, has been dealing with a lower-body injury that will keep him out for the remainder of spring practices.

Kekahuna’s Injury and Its Impact on the Team

Kekahuna, a 6’3″, 210-pound wideout, was one of the key pieces in Wisconsin’s receiving corps heading into the 2025 season. His size, speed, and ability to make contested catches made him a dangerous weapon for the Badgers, and many had high expectations for him in the upcoming campaign. Unfortunately, the injury will keep him sidelined for the remainder of spring ball, limiting the amount of development he can achieve with the team before the summer months.

The timing of this injury is particularly difficult for the Badgers, as they are attempting to revamp their passing attack under new offensive schemes. Coach Fickell’s system emphasizes a more balanced offensive approach, with a stronger emphasis on the passing game than Wisconsin has traditionally utilized. Kekahuna was expected to be one of the top targets for Wisconsin’s quarterbacks, and his absence during this crucial time could slow the team’s progress in developing chemistry through the air.

Who Steps Up in Kekahuna’s Absence?

With Kekahuna out of action, the Badgers will have to rely on other players to step into bigger roles at wide receiver. Wisconsin has some promising talent at the position, but it remains to be seen who will rise to the occasion and replace Kekahuna’s production. The competition for the starting wide receiver positions just became more intense, and several players are now vying for the opportunity to take on a larger role in the offense.

1. Isaac Bush – A veteran receiver, Bush brings experience and a steady hand to the table. While he may not have the raw talent of Kekahuna, Bush’s ability to run precise routes and catch passes in clutch situations could make him a reliable target for Wisconsin’s quarterbacks. His experience in the system may give him an advantage during spring practice as he competes for a starting spot.

2. Julian Warren – A highly recruited freshman, Warren has been turning heads with his athleticism and playmaking ability. His size and speed make him a potential deep threat in Wisconsin’s passing attack, and he could emerge as a key contributor in Kekahuna’s absence. If Warren can continue to impress throughout the spring, he may secure a prominent role in the offense come fall.

3. Tyler Johnson – Another young receiver, Johnson has shown promise during spring practice. While he is still developing as a route runner, his athleticism and ability to make plays after the catch could make him a solid option in the slot. As the coaching staff works to find a reliable replacement for Kekahuna, Johnson will have the chance to prove that he deserves more playing time in 2025.

While none of these players may completely replicate Kekahuna’s skill set, they could each bring something unique to the table. Wisconsin’s offense will need to adapt, and these players will have to step up in Kekahuna’s absence to ensure that the passing game remains effective.

The Road to Recovery for Kekahuna

The injury to Kekahuna is unfortunate, but the coaching staff is hopeful that he will make a full recovery before the 2025 season begins. The rest of spring practice will be spent working on conditioning and rehabilitation for Kekahuna, with an eye toward getting him back on the field as soon as possible. His recovery timeline will be closely monitored, and the team’s medical staff will work to ensure that he’s fully prepared to contribute when fall camp begins.

Wisconsin will be cautious in rushing Kekahuna back into action, as his long-term health and effectiveness are of the utmost importance. Once he’s back to full strength, Kekahuna will likely reclaim his spot as one of the top receivers on the team, and he’ll be an integral part of the Badgers’ passing game moving forward.