As the Wisconsin Badgers gear up for the start of fall camp, much of the attention has centered around established starters and headline-making recruits. However, lurking in the shadows are a handful of defensive players who could emerge as unexpected contributors in the 2025 season. While most position battles appear settled, depth and versatility remain critical, especially with injuries, eligibility rulings, and the natural grind of a full season. These five defenders may not have generated the most buzz entering the offseason, but they have the tools, opportunity, and coaching support to make significant impacts in Madison this fall.
1. Geimere Latimer Jr. – Cornerback
Among the newest additions to Wisconsin’s defense is Geimere Latimer Jr., a transfer cornerback from Jacksonville State who could prove to be one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason. While not the flashiest portal pickup, Latimer fills a crucial role at nickelback, allowing Wisconsin to keep Austin Brown focused on his responsibilities elsewhere in the secondary.
Latimer arrives with solid experience and production under his belt. Over two seasons at Jacksonville State, he saw the field in 27 games. His sophomore campaign was particularly impressive, racking up 46 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions—numbers that placed him among the top defensive backs in Conference USA.
What Latimer lacks in name recognition, he makes up for in grit and tenacity. Cornerbacks coach Paul Haynes praised him with vivid enthusiasm:
“I love him. He’s a dawg. And when I say dawg, I mean a Rottweiler with teeth. There’s a difference. Some guys are just big dogs—he’s got bite.”
Haynes’ analogy speaks to Latimer’s aggressive, fearless approach to playing defensive back—qualities Wisconsin’s secondary needs, especially after the NCAA’s ruling this week that cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean is ineligible for the 2025 season. That ruling may thrust Latimer into a starting perimeter role, rather than remaining at nickel. His adaptability and experience could help the Badgers maintain coverage strength even after losing a key piece of their defensive backfield.
2. Dillan Johnson – Defensive Line
Though not always in the spotlight, defensive lineman Dillan Johnson has steadily gained attention within the program and could soon earn wider recognition. Johnson’s strength, motor, and understanding of gap control make him a valuable piece of Wisconsin’s defensive front.
A physical presence at the line of scrimmage, Johnson brings an element of toughness and effort that aligns with Wisconsin’s defensive identity. His ability to fight through double teams and plug interior gaps has impressed the coaching staff, especially as the team looks to shore up its run defense. If Johnson can continue to develop his pass-rush skills, he may earn more snaps on third downs as well.
With Wisconsin rotating its defensive linemen heavily to keep them fresh, Johnson will be part of that important second wave—and could be asked to play a larger role if injuries arise or if his performance continues to trend upward. Don’t be surprised if his name is called more often this fall.
3. Jordan Mayer – Outside Linebacker
Another name poised to emerge in 2025 is Jordan Mayer, a redshirt freshman outside linebacker who has quietly put together an impressive offseason. Wisconsin’s pass rush is always a point of emphasis, and Mayer could carve out a role for himself as a situational edge presence.
Though Mayer is still developing physically, his natural burst off the line and high football IQ have drawn praise. Coaches have cited his film study habits and quick mental processing as reasons why he’s been able to compete despite limited in-game experience. His ability to set the edge and contain mobile quarterbacks may also provide him early-season reps.
The Badgers are deep at outside linebacker, but Mayer’s upside and drive could allow him to leapfrog veterans and find his way into meaningful rotations. He’s the type of player who could make a game-changing play in a key moment—exactly the kind of “surprise” contributor every good defense needs.
4. Justin O’Leary – Safety
As the Badgers continue their tradition of producing hard-hitting, instinctive safeties, Justin O’Leary is a name to watch. A walk-on who has impressed coaches with his work ethic, O’Leary is pushing for a spot in Wisconsin’s deep safety rotation.
Known for his physicality and sure tackling, O’Leary brings a downhill presence that fits well in run support. He’s also demonstrated strong communication skills, which is critical in Wisconsin’s complex defensive schemes. While he may not start, O’Leary could find himself logging important snaps on special teams and in certain defensive packages.
What makes O’Leary particularly valuable is his versatility. He can play both strong and free safety positions and doesn’t shy away from lining up near the box. In the right game situations, he could be a hidden asset the Badgers deploy to confuse opposing offenses.
5. Isaac Townsend – Defensive End
Finally, keep an eye on Isaac Townsend, a fifth-year senior who’s battled through depth chart logjams and injury setbacks to put himself in position for a potential breakout season. Originally an Oregon transfer, Townsend has taken time to adjust to the Big Ten, but 2025 could finally be his time to shine.
At 6’5″ and 275 pounds, Townsend brings the size and athleticism to wreak havoc at defensive end. He’s shown flashes in practice and limited game action, but coaches believe the mental side of his game has finally caught up with his physical gifts. With James Thompson Jr. and other defensive leaders needing support, Townsend’s ability to hold his own and disrupt plays in the backfield will be crucial.
This fall, Wisconsin is expected to use a more aggressive defensive front, and Townsend may benefit from stunts and one-on-one matchups that allow him to attack. If he can consistently deliver in those situations, he’ll go from depth piece to key contributor quickly.
Conclusion
The 2025 Wisconsin defense already boasts some established playmakers, but it’s these lesser-known names—Latimer, Johnson, Mayer, O’Leary, and Townsend—that could elevate the unit from solid to special. Whether it’s plugging a hole in the secondary, rotating on the defensive line, or bringing fresh legs to the pass rush, each of these players has the opportunity to make noise when it matters most. As fall camp gets underway and the season looms, Badger fans should keep their eyes on this next wave of talent—because at Wisconsin, defense always matters.
