Wisconsin releases updated depth chart for Rutgers week

Wisconsin released its updated depth chart on Monday ahead of its Saturday match-up against Rutgers (as it normally does at the beginning of each week).

With six Badgers questionable and two major contributors out, the two-deep looks a little different from last week’s.

With senior Olive Sagapolu (right arm) out, true freshman Bryson Williams assumes the role as the No. 1 nose tackle. Williams has played in all eight games this season, registering five tackles. That would place three true or redshirt freshmen as projected starters among the defensive line with Williams and defensive ends Matt Henningsen and Kayden Lyles. Redshirt junior Gunnar Roberge is now the No. 2 nose tackle, and though he is listed as questionable this week, redshirt sophomore and “normal” starting defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (left leg) still is not back on the depth chart.

As redshirt sophomore Cole Van Lanen (left leg) is ruled out this weekend as well, redshirt freshman Logan Bruss now is listed not just as the second-team right tackle, but also the No. 2 left tackle. Redshirt junior Jon Dietzen is the lone starter at the latter position.

Wisconsin lists true freshman Rachad Wildgoose as a starter at one of the cornerback spots opposite redshirt freshman Faion Hicks. Redshirt freshman Deron Harrell (right leg) is questionable this week and listed with redshirt sophomore Caesar Williams as second-team corners.

Though redshirt senior Evan Bondoc started last week against Northwestern, true freshman Reggie Pearson still is listed as one of the second-team safeties opposite redshirt sophomore Eric Burrell.

In the defensive two-deep alone, six freshmen—either redshirt or true—are designated starters on Jim Leonhard’s unit, with another three (Pearson, Harrell and defensive end Aaron Vopal) as second-team contributors.

Though redshirt junior Alex Hornibrook (head) is questionable, he still is listed as QB1. If he cannot go, expect second-year signal caller Jack Coan to make his second start of his career. On Monday during his weekly press conference, head coach Paul Chryst confirmed Hornibrook is still in concussion protocol.

On special teams, Wisconsin designates juniors Anthony Lotti and Connor Allen with the “OR” designation for first-team punting responsibilities.