As the 2025 college football season approaches, Badger247 has spotlighted the top 30 players expected to shape the Wisconsin Badgers’ success under head coach Luke Fickell. Among those players, redshirt senior Corey Walker lands at No. 10 on the list, and for good reason. A dynamic outside linebacker with size, experience, and raw power, Walker is poised to make a significant impact in what could be a defining season for Wisconsin’s defense.
A Unique Journey: From Tight End to Edge Rusher
Corey Walker’s path to the Wisconsin Badgers was far from traditional. Originally a member of the 2021 recruiting class, Walker began his collegiate career at Western Michigan after playing high school football at Normal Community High School in Illinois. At the prep level, he was a tight end, and only received scholarship offers from mid-major programs like Illinois State and Western Michigan. He committed to the Broncos in July 2020, entering the program with potential, but little national fanfare.
Once at Western Michigan, Walker underwent a significant transformation—both in position and performance. Transitioning to the defensive side of the ball, he blossomed into a highly productive edge rusher. Over four seasons and 39 games, Walker compiled 70 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and nine pass breakups. In the 2024 season alone, he recorded 38 tackles and 5.5 sacks across 11 starts, leading the team in quarterback takedowns.
That breakout season put him on the radar of Power 4 programs. In the offseason, Walker received offers from several major schools, including Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma State. On December 16, 2024, he officially committed to Wisconsin, bringing one year of eligibility and a proven skill set to Madison.
Strengths That Translate
Walker’s strengths were clearly visible during Wisconsin’s 2024 season opener—a 28–14 victory over Western Michigan—where the Badgers got an early look at his disruptive presence. That game previewed what Walker could bring: tenacity off the edge, power in his rush, and an ability to find his way into the backfield.
Statistically, Walker’s 5.5 sacks in 2024 were more than any individual Badgers defender that season. Wisconsin’s entire defense managed only 17 sacks, with Elijah Hills and Christian Alliegro tied for the team lead at just 3.0 each. Walker also led the Broncos in quarterback hurries with 21—a figure that showcases his consistent pressure even when he didn’t get the sack. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Walker earned a pass-rush grade of 73.8, reflecting both efficiency and effort.
Spring camp at Wisconsin only strengthened the belief that Walker could be a defensive catalyst. He worked exclusively with the first-team defense under outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell and consistently showed flashes of his Power 4 readiness. His combination of size, motor, and experience make him not only a starter but a possible game-changer.
Areas for Growth
Despite his strong resume, there are questions that still need answers. Primarily, Walker has yet to produce at a Big Ten level. While his stats at Western Michigan are impressive, the jump to the Big Ten—especially in a division featuring physical offensive lines and NFL-caliber talent—presents a different challenge.
Still, Walker isn’t a raw prospect. With four years of experience and nearly 40 collegiate games played, he brings maturity and resilience to the Badgers’ defense. If he adapts quickly and continues to elevate his game against stronger competition, Walker could earn serious attention from NFL scouts by season’s end.
Why He Ranks No. 10
At 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds, Walker doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional outside linebacker. He’s what Wisconsin coaches refer to as a “jumbo edge”, a unique hybrid of size and athleticism that fits the team’s offseason philosophy of getting bigger and more physical up front.
Walker’s role under Matt Mitchell reflects this philosophy. Mitchell, a coach known for developing productive edge rushers, has positioned Walker to be a cornerstone of a revamped front seven. Wisconsin’s defense struggled significantly in 2024, especially against the run. The Badgers ranked 91st nationally in run defense, allowing 165.0 yards per game, and finished dead last in tackles for loss per game (3.5).
Walker’s ability to set the edge, shed blocks, and chase down ball carriers is expected to help turn those numbers around. Alongside junior Micheal Garner—another massive edge defender at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds—Walker will be counted on to bring physicality and explosion to a defense that desperately needs it.
Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel believes that the front seven, with additions like Walker, is trending in the right direction. In an interview during spring practice, Tressel highlighted the growing confidence within the defensive unit—not just among the coaches but in the players themselves.
“One thing I’m seeing is a lot of confidence in the defensive front’s ability to be tough and difference-makers,” Tressel said. “When I say confidence, I’m talking about the linebackers behind them. I’m talking about the coaching staff. I’m talking about, within their room—you can see there’s some great confidence in those guys.”
NFL Future?
Walker’s size, experience, and versatility could ultimately land him a spot in the NFL, especially if he puts together a strong 2025 campaign. His rare blend of power and agility at nearly 300 pounds makes him attractive to scouts looking for 3-4 outside linebackers or defensive ends who can shift inside when needed.
While he may not yet have the national spotlight that other defenders in the Big Ten enjoy, he has a golden opportunity to change that in 2025. If he anchors Wisconsin’s defensive turnaround and contributes to a winning season, Walker’s name could rise on draft boards.
Final Thoughts
Corey Walker may be new to Wisconsin, but he brings veteran savvy, proven production, and immense physical tools to a defense in need of reinforcements. His presence alone will help the Badgers get tougher up front, but if he elevates his play further, he could be the spark that transforms Wisconsin’s defense into one of the most improved units in the conference.
As the No. 10 player on Badger247’s preseason ranking of key contributors, Walker carries both high expectations and tremendous upside. In a make-or-break year for many on the roster, Walker stands as a player who could not only define Wisconsin’s 2025 season but also his future in professional football.
