The Camp: A Wisconsin Badgers Football Podcast

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is under the most pressure of anyone this fall, but there are a number of players that have their share of pressure too. Zach and Jesse discuss some of them, including quarterback Billy Edwards and cornerback Ricardo Hallman. Then Zach is joined by former Badgers fullback Matt Bernstein. The guys close the show by talking about the latest commit in the 2026 class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fickell spoke with ESPN's Pete Thamel this week and said Wisconsin now has an 'identity that fits' them. Zach and Jesse discuss Fickell's comments before getting into some Overreaction, er No? and finishing with a couple leftover draft questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring practice is in the books. Zach and Jesse give their big picture takeaways, hand out some spring superlatives, discuss what it means that just two Badgers got drafted and close talking about the latest transfer portal additions. Follow the show on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans got a chance to see the Badgers for the first time this spring. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw in the Spring Showcase, including how the QBs played, concerns at left tackle, a true freshman LB making noise and more. They also play some Overreaction, er No? and Jesse discusses his decision to leave The Athletic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a tough couple days on the news front for Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse dive into Kevin Heywood's likely season-ending injury, the departures of two recent transfer portal additions, some positives from the last couple of practices and the commitment of 3-star QB Ryan Hopkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin was on the field twice this week already. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw in practice on Tuesday and Thursday. The guys also get into comments from DC Mike Tressel on what will be different about the defense this year and touch on a couple key injuries that hit on Thursday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is nearly halfway through spring practice. Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen through seven practices, including several interesting position battles on the offensive side of the ball. They also tackle a ton of listener questions, including whether the Badgers make a bowl game, the position group that could take the biggest jump and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin was back from spring break on Tuesday as the team held practice No. 5 of spring. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw, including a notable position change, what's different about the offense, some young guys making plays, the size along the defensive line and more. They also get into 3-star OL Gavin Meier's comments about the Badgers and why he chose Minnesota instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers have been on the field for three practices in spring. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position to discuss their early impressions. They also get into how the offense looks different, some early standouts on both sides of the ball and finish with some listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin will open spring practice on Thursday. Zach and Jesse discuss the biggest questions facing Luke Fickell and the Badgers as they get going. The guys also jump into the roster changes unveiled earlier this week and touch on the commitment of 2026 WR commit Tayshon Bardo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Camp is back. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest from winter workouts, including big leaps by several players. Then, QB coach Kenny Guiton joins the show to discuss his move from WRs, what he’s seen from the new trio of quarterbacks, how they fit Jeff Grimes’ offense, his philosophy in developing QBs and a little on the WRs he used to coach. The guys finish up the show talking about Jesse’s 1-on-1 with Luke Fickell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newest Wisconsin quarterback -- Billy Edwards Jr -- joins the show to talk about his decision to come to the Badgers, how he fits in Jeff Grimes' offense, how he's established himself as a leader, some guys that are standing out in winter workouts and more. Zach and Jesse also discuss the addition of Marcus Sedberry as the program's general manager. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin cornerback Nyzer Fourqurean is (likely) back for another year. Why the court issued an injunction and what it means for the Badgers. Meanwhile, GM Max Stienecker is headed to USC's recruiting department. What kind of impact does it have on Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys are joined by Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes to discuss the install of his offense, what he's seen from the QBs so far, his thoughts on being under center or in shotgun in short yardage, whether he feels pressure in turning the Badgers offense around and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers introduced their new coaches this week. Zach and Jesse discuss the offense that OC Jeff Grimes wants to install, Kenny Guiton's move from WRs coach to QB coach, the hire of Jordan Reid as WRs coach and the promotion of Jack Cooper to coach the safeties. They also get into some of the latest transfer portal moves, which players in the 2026 are coming for Junior Day and a question about Luke Fickell best and worst case scenarios for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin finally ended its silence on the Xavier Lucas situation. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest developments in what is becoming a national story that could have a significant impact on college athletics. They also dive into some transfer portal superlatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is more than two years into the Luke Fickell era. Zach and Jesse grade it on seven different categories and give it an overall grade. They also dive into Jesse's projected two-deep on defense and special teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers got big news Wednesday with the return of Ricardo Hallman. Zach and Jesse discuss what the veteran's decision to stay means for the defense. They get into Luke Fickell finalizing his coaching staff and then finish with the Xavier Lucas situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has a new quarterback's coach and now an opening at WR coach. Zach and Jesse discuss the move of Kenny Guiton from WRs to QBs, along with Jack Cooper being elevated to safeties coach. Then they get into the latest transfer portal additions and whether the DL is improved from this past season. They close with an early look at what the two-deep on offense could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach and Jesse are back for the first episode of 2025. The guys discuss the College Football Playoff with a bit of a Wisconsin angle, then jump into the player Jesse believes could be the most interesting transfer -- safety Matt Jung. They close with some talk about the toughest position on offense to project a depth chart for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin and Xavier Lucas are in a standoff at this point. Though details are still few, Zach and Jesse discuss what is known about the situation. They also get into the latest moves in the transfer portal and further introduce new QBs Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O'Neil. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin finally added to its cornerback room on Tuesday. Zach and Jesse discuss the commitment of Jacksonville State's Geimere Latimer, along with a couple more additions on defense. The guys also hit on the overhaul of the QB room, including why Mabrey Mettauer left. They close with the news that Tawee Walker is in the transfer portal and looking for a new home after a new NCAA ruling gave him an extra year of eligibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has now seen more than 20 guys hit the portal, including CB Xavier Lucas. Zach and Jesse discuss what his loss means. They also get into all the guys the Badgers have added, including a couple intriguing players in Matt Jung and Mark Hamper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a crazy few days for Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse break it all down, including the Badgers adding a pair of QBs, restocking the front seven, Landyn Locke not coming, Preston Zachman staying and Alex Grinch leaving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin got good news from the portal on Wednesday with Trech Kekahuna announcing he would be returning to the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the move, and then get into Braedyn Locke putting his name into the portal and what it means for the QB spot. They also go over some of the Badgers targets in the portal and close with a look at a brutal 2025 Big Ten schedule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tyler Van Dyke era is done in Madison. Zach and Jesse discuss him going to the transfer portal and what's next for Wisconsin. They also discuss some of the guys sticking around, what happened to the 2023 recruiting class and the positions the Badgers are targeting in the portal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin reportedly has its new offensive coordinator in Jeff Grimes. Zach and Jesse discuss the addition and what it means for the Badgers. They also get into Riley Mahlman announcing his decision to return for his senior year and what Wisconsin needs in the transfer portal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a busy Wednesday for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse talk about Luke Fickell's updates on the OC search, what he's looking for on offense and some potential changes on defense. Then they discuss the latest transfer portal news, including the loss of show favorite Trech Kekahuna. They close with some NSD superlatives for Wisconsin's 2025 class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offseason has officially begun for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the players that have entered the transfer portal and also areas of need. Then they get into Jesse's story on how high school coaches in the state view Wisconsin's recruiting efforts and they close by looking ahead to the early signing period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers are going to finish the season under .500 for the first time in 23 years. Zach and Jesse touch on the Minnesota debacle but tackle much bigger picture topics as Luke Fickell enters a pivotal offseason. They also dive into a bunch of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel discussed the struggles his unit has had at times this year. Zach and Jesse discuss his comments, including on some of his personnel decisions in trying to stop the run. Then they play some Overreaction, er No?, preview the Minnesota game and make their Week 14 picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has landed a top-tier quarterback in the class of 2025. Four-star Carter Smith announced his commitment to the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss what Smith brings to Madison and what it could mean for the other QBs on the roster moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin lost to Nebraska for the first time in 12 years. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right and wrong in Lincoln, including a good day for Braedyn Locke, struggles on defense and some questionable coaching decisions. They also get into some listener questions that focus on the future of the program and whether Mike Tressel will be back as DC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is headed to Nebraska this Saturday. Zach and Jesse preview the game and what needs to happen for the Badgers to win. Then they jump into Jaylen Williams flipping from Michigan, whether Cole LaCrue is just the first of several QBs heading to the portal, whether you'd rather be in Matt Rhule or Luke Fickell's situation and they close with their Week 13 picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell met the media on Monday for the first time since firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Zach and Jesse talk about how feisty Fickell was and some of his answers/non-answers to what is next for the team's offense. They also play some Overreaction, er No?, including Braedyn Locke still being he unquestioned starting quarterback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Zach is joined by Ben Kenney to discuss the breaking news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers fell short in their upset bid of No. 1 Oregon. Zach and Jesse talk about what went right and wrong against the Ducks, and then get into some listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin gets No. 1 Oregon on Saturday night. Zach and Jesse discuss what success against the Ducks looks like and if there is any chance the Badgers can keep it close. They also debate whether a win over Oregon would be more important than the basketball team beating No. 9 Arizona on Friday night. They close with their Week 12 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is prepping for a visit from No. 1 Oregon on Saturday night but the focus to start the week was on offensive coordinator Phil Longo. He spoke with reporters about Braedyn Locke's struggles, the chances of Mabrey Mettaeur being ready to play and recruiting multiple QBs in one class. The guys also discuss Jack Del Rio's stepping down after his arrest for OWI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is in the midst of its bye week, so Zach and Jesse focus on some bigger picture items. That includes a look at how the roster is made up and how it has changed under coach Luke Fickell. Then they get into a bunch of Overreaction, er No? questions, including whether the Badgers will ever make the CFP under Fickell and the fates of Braedyn Locke and Phil Longo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin got embarrassed at Iowa on Saturday night. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right (very little) and what went wrong (a lot) before finishing with listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin will face Iowa on Saturday night. Zach and Jesse preview the game, including what the Badgers need to do to pull out a win. Then they get into Jesse's story about how recruits reacted to the Penn State game and Wisconsin getting involved with a 2025 QB. They close with their Week 10 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is prepping for a trip to Iowa City but 2025 is on the minds of Zach and Jesse, specifically the quarterback spot. They discuss the options and what the Badgers might do. They also get into the commitment of TE Emmett Bork and the de-commitment of Wilnerson Telemaque. They close with some Overreaction, er No?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a disappointing night for the Badgers as they fell to 0-5 against ranked teams over the last two years. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right in the first half, what went wrong in the second half and they get into a bunch of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The No. 3 team in the country is coming to Madison this Saturday. Zach and Jesse discuss the keys to the game, including the play of the two quarterbacks -- Braedyn Locke and Drew Allar. Then they talk about the 20th anniversary of Matt Bernstein going off vs Penn State. They close with their Week 9 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin DC Mike Tressel met with reporters Monday. Zach and Jesse discuss his comments on how the defense has taken big steps in the last three weeks and whether they're ready for Penn State on Saturday. The guys also go over the commitment of 3-star DL Drayden Pavey, play some Overreaction, er No? and talk about how the Badgers are trying to avoid teams stealing their signals on defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin has won three straight Big Ten games for the first time under Luke Fickell. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest triumph over Northwestern, including a masterful effort from the defense and another strong outing from Tawee Walker. The guys also talk two more turnovers by Braedyn Locke and kicking woes. They close with a few questions from listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Badgers went on the road and beat Northwestern 23-3 for a third-straight win. Zach Heilprin and Ben Kenney talk all about the win, the guys that stood out and they look ahead to the rest of the year and what it could hold for Wisconsin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is getting ready to head to Northwestern on Saturday. Zach and Jesse preview the game, including whether the Badgers can get their run game going against one of the tougher run defenses in the country. Then they get into Jesse's conversation with OL coach AJ Blazek and they close with their Week 8 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin is halfway through the regular season. Zach and Jesse evaluate the squad so far, including the best and worst surprises. Then they discuss the story from Yahoo that has the Badgers among those still in playoff contention despite having two losses. They close the show with some Overreaction or No.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin won in blowout fashion for a second straight week. Zach and Jesse get into what went right and wrong for the Badgers, including a great effort from Braedyn Locke, Tawee Walker and the whole offense. They also get into listener questions about Cade Yacamelli's role, the impact of the higher tempo offense and whether we need to revise our expectations after the last two weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.