Nick Herbig
FILE - Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Madison, Wisc., Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Wisconsin has produced defenses that have ranked among the nation’s stingiest virtually every year since Jim Leonhard took over as coordinator in 2017. Leonhard faces perhaps his biggest challenge in maintaining that standard this year. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin defense faces major challenge in bid to stay elite

By Steve Megargee Apr. 22, 2022 11:27 AM EDT

Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) runs against Wisconsin during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/L.E. Baskow)
Allen, Wisconsin hold off Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

By Danny Webster Dec. 31, 2021 02:12 AM EST

Wisconsin wide receiver Stephan Bracey (10) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Nebraska at Wisconsin 11/20/2021

Nov. 20, 2021 05:39 PM EST

Wisconsin's Braelon Allen breasks into the end zone for a topuchdwon run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Northwestern at Wisconsin 11/13/2021

Nov. 13, 2021 01:17 PM EST

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz (5) and head coach Paul Chryst talk during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin upset Iowa 27-7. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Long memories motivate No. 20 Badgers against Northwestern

By Steve Megargee Nov. 11, 2021 12:42 PM EST

Iowa defensive back Jermari Harris (27) pushes Wisconsin wide receiver Jack Dunn (16) out of bounds after a reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Iowa at Wisconsin 10/30/2021

Oct. 30, 2021 01:57 PM EDT

Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates a touchdown on an interception against Wisconsin during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Wisconsin at Purdue 10/23/2021

Oct. 23, 2021 04:51 PM EDT

Illinois defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) intercepts a pass intended for Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) as Devon Witherspoon also defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Wisconsin at Illinois 10/9/2021

Oct. 09, 2021 05:01 PM EDT

Penn State's Sean Clifford tries to get away from Wisconsin's Nick Herbig during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Penn State at Wisconsin 9/4/2021

Sep. 04, 2021 01:47 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Penn State head coach James Franklin leads his team onto the field for an NCAA college football game against Rutgers in State College, Pa. Penn State faces Wisconsin on Saturday as they open their college football season. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
No. 12 Wisconsin, No. 19 Penn State eager for fresh starts

By Steve Megargee Sep. 02, 2021 02:28 AM EDT

FILE - Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder (18) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., in this Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, filer photo. Wisconsin won 49-11. “Coach Leonhard had a great quote one time,” safety Collin Wilder said. “It’s like the beauty of football is you never get there. There’s always something to work on. There’s always something to improve on.” That improvement could start by making more game-changing plays. That’s something the Badgers have emphasized during their spring practice sessions that end this week.(AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)
Wisconsin defense's mission: Produce more turnovers, sacks

By Steve Megargee Apr. 27, 2021 01:38 PM EDT

FILE - Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn chases Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wisc., in this Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, file photo. Wisconsin is working to become more dynamic this season. For instance, Sanborn has looked back at what he did last season and seen examples of plays he could have made if he’d gotten a better break or if he’d been more effective at seeing what was coming.(AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)
Minnesota at Wisconsin 12/19/2020

Apr. 27, 2021 11:05 AM EDT

Fans walk down steps in Kinnick Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Wisconsin at Iowa 12/12/2020

Dec. 12, 2020 02:17 PM EST