Forgotten Badgers Aim to Re-Emerge in 2026
Summer workouts have already begun for the Wisconsin Badgers, and the program is gearing up for the intense stretch of fall camp that will shape the 2026 season.
Among the roster, a handful of athletes who entered with considerable hype have seen their early buzz fade, whether due to lingering injuries, shifts in role or the arrival of more established competitors.
Coach Paul Chryst and his staff have repeatedly emphasized that the team will need more than the proven commodities that carried them to previous successes; they are looking for forgotten pieces to step forward and carve out meaningful minutes.
The Quiet Contenders
BadgerNotes has turned its lens to three such players, each of whom carries the potential to re‑establish his name on the radar and contribute to a deeper, more versatile squad.
One of those names is Thomas Heiberger, a former standout who now finds himself in a position to prove that the early promise was not misplaced.
The coaching staff has praised his work ethic during offseason drills, noting that his versatility could provide a valuable spark in both special teams and rotational defensive packages.
If he can stay healthy and seize the opportunities presented during camp, Heiberger could become part of a larger narrative of resurgence that defines Wisconsin’s push toward a stronger 2026 campaign.
The upcoming weeks will be a crucible where past expectations are tested against present realities, and the Badgers hope that a few overlooked athletes will emerge to help the team take the next step forward.