3 things to know about Wisconsin football's loaded receiving corps (2024)

One of the biggest undertakings that the University of Wisconsin football team’s new coaching staff accomplished this offseason was remaking the wide receiver room. The group had returning talent, with all three of the team’s leading receivers from last season on the roster this fall, but the transition to the Air Raid offense meant the team needed more bodies.

Coach Luke Fickell allocated more scholarships for the receiver room, and the transfer portal paid off in a major way. Wisconsin added four receivers through the portal, and at least three of them look like they’re going to have immediate roles.

One of those transfers is Will Pauling, who emerged as the top slot option this spring after transferring in from Cincinnati and solidified that role with strong performances in training camp. The slot receiver is targeted often in offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s system because he is able to find spaces close to the quarterback and create ball flights for passes. With the additions of run-pass options and Longo trying to take advantage of defenses that focus too much on the rushing attack, quick-hit passes to Pauling out of the slot are going to be crucial for the offense. Pauling shows good toughness catching the ball through contact, and his ability to create yards after the catch will be a big factor in how explosive this offense is.

Chimere Dike is back for his fourth season at Wisconsin and once again will be a big piece of the plan on offense. His sure-handedness and precise route running helped him solidify his spot despite constant challenges from the newcomers. Dike has played in the slot and on the outside during his Badgers career, but he primarily has been on the outside since Longo arrived. His quickness out of breaks and football IQ are going to be assets in the new system. Look for him to be a steady target on hitch routes to allow him to run after the catch and option routes that require him to read the defense’s coverage along with the quarterback.

The Badgers haven’t had the kind of athlete and potential playmaker at receiver that C.J. Williams appears to be. His leaping catches over defenders were among the highlights of spring practices after transferring in from Southern Cal, and his blend of speed and strength on the outside will be tough to match up against each week. If he can force defenses to account for him down the field, space underneath should be readily available for the rest of the offense to attack.

Bryson Green is one of the most experienced receivers in the group despite this being his first season in Madison. He was a two-year contributor at Oklahoma State before hitting the portal, and he started 12 games last season for the Cowboys. He was recovering from a shoulder injury this spring and limited to non-contact drills, but he has shined since returning to the practice field. The way he can physically bully defensive backs is an asset, and he’s put on display his ability to snare contested catches and be a tough player to tackle after the catch. He could push into the starting lineup and not give up that spot if he stays healthy.

Skyler Bell is playing in the slot after two seasons at Wisconsin playing outside. That transition took some work in the spring, but his speed and toughness will help him contribute. He’ll be on Pauling’s heels trying to get back to the top of the depth chart. Keontez Lewis is one of the fastest receivers on the team and will be a factor as an outside receiver. He’s been mostly a deep threat during his career, but he has the skills to be a more varied route runner.

Look for young receivers like Vinny Anthony II and Tommy McIntosh to make some plays as well. Anthony’s agility is among the best in the group, and he can outrun most players assigned to cover him. McIntosh (6 foot 5) creates a physical mismatch that few defensive backs can handle.

The beauty of this group is its depth. The up-tempo style of Longo’s offense means more miles on receivers’ bodies, so rotating in fresh players will be necessary.

Wisconsin wide receiver ready to make a leap

Williams was a five-star prospect out of high school and played in eight games as a true freshman last season at Southern Cal. He’d be the highest-rated receiver prospect ever to come to Wisconsin if he’d come straight from high school. His physical profile is that of a No. 1 receiver, and Williams may see more single coverage than he ever has in his life if Green is as big a threat as he appears to be. Williams has the chance to become a feared player across the Big Ten in this offense.

Looking forward to future Wisconsin wide receivers

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about the wide receiver group is that every player expected to be a significant contributor has at least one more season of eligibility remaining. All four transfers had multiple years left to play, which was part of the equation in bringing them into the fold. Getting the top group enough snaps and touches to be happy enough to stay may be challenging, but it’s possible.

Any experience that Anthony, McIntosh and Cincinnati transfer Quincy Burroughs can get this season will help when it’s their turn to be featured down the road. Wisconsin has just one receiver committed to its 2024 class, four-star prospect Kyan Berry-Johnson.