Under the Radar No More: Fickell Names Two Wisconsin Defenders Ready to Explode in 2025!…

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell is entering the 2025 college football season with high hopes for his defense. While established stars like safety Preston Zachman and cornerback Ricardo Hallman will be central to the team’s success, Fickell believes that true progress on defense will come from the emergence of some less-heralded players stepping into bigger roles. On a recent episode of the Cover 3 podcast, Fickell highlighted two specific players he expects to have breakout seasons: senior safety Austin Brown and junior linebacker Christian Alliegro.

These two defenders, while not household names yet, could be instrumental in reshaping the identity of the Badgers’ defense in 2025.


Austin Brown: A Return to His Roots

Austin Brown is no stranger to the field, but up until now, he hasn’t held a full-time starting role. Last season, Brown saw action primarily at the slot cornerback position, contributing in coverage and run support. However, for the 2025 season, Fickell plans to move Brown into a more traditional safety role alongside Zachman. This positional shift could unlock Brown’s full potential and provide the defense with more stability and flexibility in the secondary.

Fickell spoke glowingly of Brown, calling him “as talented of a football player as we have on the team.” Despite his limited starting experience, Brown has flashed elite athleticism, smart instincts, and positional versatility—traits that could make him a cornerstone of the defense this year.

Brown’s return to safety not only allows him to play more to his strengths but also fills a crucial need for Wisconsin. With the graduation of key defensive backs and a younger, less experienced cornerback group, a reliable safety tandem could be pivotal. Brown’s ability to read plays, react quickly, and support both the run and pass defense makes him an ideal candidate to emerge as a leader in the secondary.

His role is expected to include deep coverage responsibilities, aiding in zone schemes, and stepping up in run defense when necessary. His familiarity with multiple positions in the defensive backfield could also help disguise coverages and create confusion for opposing offenses.


Christian Alliegro: The Next Great Wisconsin Linebacker?

The second player Fickell pointed out is linebacker Christian Alliegro. Although Alliegro was primarily a rotational player for much of last season, he ended the year by starting the final three games. In those matchups, he showcased enough promise and leadership to suggest he could take a significant leap in 2025.

Fickell noted that Alliegro is “more in the mold of what the people of Wisconsin would grow to expect from some of those linebackers that are playing in the NFL.” It’s high praise, and it places Alliegro in the company of past Badgers greats like Leo Chenal, Ryan Connelly, and T.J. Edwards—all of whom went on to NFL careers after standout college seasons.

Alliegro plays with a high motor, physicality, and an instinctive feel for the game. He’s expected to command the interior of the defense and take charge as the middle linebacker, a position critical for orchestrating defensive alignments and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage. In a system that demands discipline, communication, and versatility, Alliegro is poised to thrive.

What makes Alliegro particularly compelling as a breakout candidate is the combination of his mental sharpness and athletic ability. He has shown growth in his ability to diagnose plays quickly, shed blocks, and pursue ball carriers with intensity. Additionally, his pass coverage skills are improving, making him a more complete linebacker suited to the modern game.


The Bigger Picture: A Defense in Transition

Wisconsin’s defense is in a transitional phase. The Badgers have been known for their tough, disciplined defensive units, but 2024 brought inconsistencies and growing pains. Fickell, now in his second year at the helm, is determined to return the defense to its former identity—physical, reliable, and fundamentally sound.

This vision involves not only the emergence of players like Brown and Alliegro but also the integration of new talent via the transfer portal. The coaching staff has strategically targeted several areas of need during the offseason to supplement the returning core. The hope is that the combination of homegrown development and external additions will bring balance and depth to the defense.

Both Brown and Alliegro represent the kind of internal development that successful programs rely on. They’ve spent multiple years in the system, understand the expectations, and are ready to elevate their games when the team needs them most. Their growth will also provide stability for younger players still acclimating to the college game.


Coaching Confidence and Culture Shift

One of the most notable aspects of Fickell’s leadership is his clear vision and belief in player development. Rather than focusing solely on the star players already in the spotlight, he makes it a priority to identify and invest in players who might be overlooked but have high ceilings. His belief in Brown and Alliegro is a testament to that approach.

Fickell’s coaching philosophy is centered around accountability, physicality, and development. He’s known for molding players who fit the system rather than chasing hype or ratings. Both Brown and Alliegro fit that mold—they’re tough, disciplined, and eager to prove themselves.

There’s also a cultural shift taking place within the program under Fickell’s leadership. He’s fostering a competitive environment where players are expected to earn their roles through consistency and effort. This internal competition is pushing players like Brown and Alliegro to take ownership of their performances and emerge as leaders.


Outlook for 2025

The expectations for the Badgers in 2025 are significant. With a more complete roster, an improved offensive line, and the leadership of Fickell, Wisconsin hopes to be a contender in the Big Ten. But the defense will be crucial in determining how far the team can go.

If Austin Brown can successfully transition back to safety and become a stabilizing force in the secondary, it will give the Badgers the flexibility to be more aggressive on defense. Meanwhile, if Christian Alliegro can take control of the linebacker corps and deliver consistent production, Wisconsin could have one of the more underrated defensive units in the conference.

Ultimately, while the spotlight may shine on stars like Zachman and Hallman, the success of Wisconsin’s defense could hinge on the growth of these two emerging leaders. With the trust of their head coach and opportunities to step into larger roles, Austin Brown and Christian Alliegro are two names every Badgers fan should watch closely in 2025.

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