The Badgers traditionally release a weekly two‑deep depth chart that highlights the players most likely to start and those who will rotate in each game. This system gives fans a snapshot of the coaching staff’s current priorities and offers clues about who might see the field first.
Among the most watched battles is the quarterback backup position. True freshman Ryan Hopkins and Louisville transfer Deuce Adams have been locked in a tight competition throughout fall camp, and neither has clearly pulled ahead of the other.
Quarterback battle
If the two remain evenly matched when the season begins, the staff may list the spot as "OR" to obscure the pecking order and keep opposing defenses guessing.
Another storyline involves walk‑on defensive lineman Nolan Vils, who has risen from a roster long shot to a rotational option, and occasionally even with the starters, thanks to a noticeable jump in strength and competitiveness.
Defensive line emergence
Wisconsin’s offensive scheme leans heavily on 12 and 13 personnel packages, which means four tight ends typically appear on the two‑deep list. This abundance creates a competition for the final spot, especially at the end of the depth chart.
Tight end fight
Emmett Bork and Nizyi Davis are the two candidates for that last tight end slot. Davis has distinguished himself in fall practice with greater physicality and toughness, earning the coaching staff’s consideration for a place on the two‑deep.
The outcomes of these position battles will shape the Badgers’ opening game strategy, and the final depth chart will be closely watched by fans eager to see how the new talent integrates with the established roster.