Which young football recruits from Wisconsin will have an effect on the 2025 campaign?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Wisconsin Badgers are focused on strengthening their roster and developing young talent. The Badgers, led by head coach Luke Fickell, are in the midst of a transformation after his arrival in 2022, and the development of young recruits will be key to the success of the program moving forward. Wisconsin has historically been known for its strong defensive units and powerful running game, and under Fickell, the expectation is to continue that tradition while also introducing new offensive schemes.

In recent years, Wisconsin has placed significant emphasis on recruiting young talent that fits the program’s culture. The combination of a stout defense, a reliable running back system, and now an evolving passing game has made Wisconsin an attractive destination for recruits. However, with Fickell’s new approach to the program, it’s clear that the team’s future success will largely depend on how quickly the younger players can make an impact.

In this article, we will explore some of the key young recruits for the 2025 Wisconsin football campaign and examine how their talents could shape the team’s future. These players have the potential to step in early and make an immediate impact, whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. The focus will be on incoming freshmen and some sophomores who are primed to have an effect on Wisconsin’s 2025 season.

1. Nico Pavlak – Quarterback

Position: Quarterback
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Waukesha, WI

Quarterback is perhaps the most important position for any football program, and in 2025, the Badgers have a new recruit who could make a splash early. Nico Pavlak, a highly touted quarterback from Waukesha, Wisconsin, is expected to be one of the key players to watch for the Badgers in the coming years.

Pavlak is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. As a high school recruit, he showed great poise under pressure and has an ability to read defenses with accuracy. He was highly sought after by several programs, but his decision to stay in-state and play for Wisconsin speaks volumes about his connection to the Badger football tradition.

Pavlak’s playing style fits well into Fickell’s offense, which has evolved to be more balanced and versatile. While the Badgers have traditionally relied on a run-heavy offense, Fickell has been working to implement a more dynamic passing game. Pavlak could be an early candidate to start or at least compete for significant playing time in 2025. His dual-threat capabilities will allow him to be a weapon both in the pocket and on the move, potentially giving Wisconsin a more dangerous offensive attack.

With some of the challenges at the quarterback position in recent years for the Badgers, Pavlak’s arrival could signal a new era for Wisconsin’s offense. His performance in the 2025 season will be critical, and the development of his skill set over the next few years will likely be one of the most important storylines for the program.

2. Chase McClendon – Wide Receiver

Position: Wide Receiver
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Appleton, WI

Wide receiver has been a position of focus for Wisconsin over the past few years, and Chase McClendon, a 6’4″ receiver from Appleton, Wisconsin, is expected to make an immediate impact in the 2025 campaign. McClendon is an incredibly talented wideout with the ability to stretch the field and make big plays in the passing game. His size and speed make him a dangerous weapon in the air, and his ability to run precise routes will be vital as Wisconsin looks to open up its passing offense.

While Wisconsin has traditionally relied on its running game and tight ends as primary pass-catchers, Fickell’s system has introduced more of an aerial attack. McClendon’s presence on the field will likely allow the Badgers to create more explosive plays and keep opposing defenses on their toes. His ability to win one-on-one matchups down the field will be crucial as Wisconsin attempts to diversify its offensive strategy and compete with other high-powered Big Ten offenses.

In addition to his physical attributes, McClendon has great hands and is known for his ability to track and secure difficult catches. His transition to the collegiate level should be seamless, and he could be a top target for whichever quarterback wins the starting job in 2025. Wisconsin has struggled to consistently produce elite receivers in recent years, but McClendon has the potential to change that narrative.

3. Isaiah Marshall – Defensive Back

Position: Defensive Back
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Madison, WI

On the defensive side of the ball, Isaiah Marshall stands out as a young recruit who could make a significant impact in 2025. Marshall, a standout cornerback from Madison, Wisconsin, was one of the top recruits in the state and has the potential to be a lockdown defender for the Badgers. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and his elite speed make him a prime candidate for early playing time.

Wisconsin has long been known for its strong defensive units, and Marshall’s addition to the secondary is a major boost to a group that has traditionally been one of the strongest in the Big Ten. With his aggressive playing style and coverage skills, Marshall could step in and contribute immediately in the cornerback rotation, competing for a starting role. His ball-hawking ability could also be an asset in Wisconsin’s defensive backfield, which could create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.

With the Big Ten featuring several high-powered passing offenses, having a cornerback like Marshall will be crucial for Wisconsin’s ability to compete at the highest level. His speed, football IQ, and ability to handle high-pressure situations should allow him to make an immediate impact in his freshman season.

4. Ethan Howard – Offensive Lineman

Position: Offensive Lineman
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Green Bay, WI

The Badgers have long been known for their physicality and prowess in the trenches, especially when it comes to the offensive line. The introduction of Ethan Howard, an offensive tackle from Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a welcome addition to the roster. At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, Howard is a massive presence who can dominate defenders in both the run and pass game.

Wisconsin has historically boasted some of the best offensive lines in the country, and Howard is expected to continue that legacy. With his size, strength, and impressive technique, Howard could push for a starting role early in his career. The Badgers will be looking to continue their tradition of producing elite running backs, and a strong offensive line will be critical to the success of that system.

Howard’s development in 2025 will be one of the most important storylines on the offensive side of the ball, as the Badgers look to revamp their offensive line under Fickell. His presence in the trenches will give Wisconsin the ability to establish a dominant run game while also providing protection for the quarterbacks as they look to make more passing plays.

5. Kendall Smith – Linebacker

Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Kenosha, WI

On defense, Kendall Smith, a linebacker from Kenosha, Wisconsin, is another recruit to keep an eye on as the 2025 season unfolds. Smith is known for his high football IQ, leadership, and sideline-to-sideline speed. As Wisconsin looks to solidify its linebacker corps, Smith’s ability to play downhill and make key tackles in critical situations will be crucial.

Wisconsin has always relied on a strong linebacking group, and Smith could join a talented group that helps anchor the defense in 2025. His ability to read plays, cover the pass, and provide run support could make him a starter as a true freshman. Fickell’s defensive philosophy emphasizes speed, discipline, and physicality, and Smith’s skill set aligns perfectly with these principles. His early contributions could help Wisconsin’s defense maintain its competitive edge within the tough Big Ten.

6. Caleb Williams – Running Back

Position: Running Back
Class: Freshman (2025)
Hometown: Eau Claire, WI

Finally, at running back, Caleb Williams, a talented prospect from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, could provide an immediate impact in the 2025 season. The Badgers have long been known for their powerful running game, and Williams could be the next great Wisconsin back. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, Williams has the size, speed, and vision to thrive in the Badgers’ run-heavy system.

With the departure of some key players from the backfield, Williams could emerge as a major contributor in 2025. His ability to break tackles, pick up yards after contact, and contribute in the passing game would be valuable assets for Wisconsin’s offense. His potential to take over as the featured back could make him one of the most important players on the team moving forward.