The Camp: A Wisconsin Badgers Football Podcast

It's a make-or-break season for plenty of coaches and players at Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse discuss the ones they think are under the most pressure, including coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The guys also get into what an assistant Big Ten coach had to say about Fickell and the Badgers in a recent magazine article. They close by talking about what Wisconsin should be looking for in a new athletic director. The Camp is presented by Brennan's Market, your home for the best Wisconsin cheese, fresh produce, and a curated selection of specialty foods, wine, craft beer & spirits. Brennan's Market - Experience Taste Everyday 

With Wisconsin on a break following spring practice, the guys delve into some spring ball superlatives, including who the best freshmen and transfers were. They also hit on the news the Badgers will open under the lights against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. Then they are joined by new Director of Football Alumni Relations Bradie Ewing to discuss his new role and why it's important. They close with how you would use your money to help the program if you were a billionaire.  

Spring practice is in the books for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position breaking down what they saw over the 15 practices, including surprises and where several position battles stand. The guys close with listener questions, including whether what the guys saw in spring changes their outlook for the 2026 season. 

Wisconsin's offense put together one of its strongest scrimmages of the Luke Fickell era on Saturday. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right for QBs Colton Joseph and Ryan Hopkins, WR Jaylon Domingeaux's big day, TE Grant Stec's standout plays, the running of RB Bryan Jackson, some guys that made an impact on defense and more. They also hit on the Badgers getting shutout in the 2026 NFL Draft and more on the commitment of 2027 QB Jack Sorgi

Wisconsin landed its quarterback in the 2027 class. Zach and Jesse discuss the breaking news that legacy Jack Sorgi committed to the Badgers and what it means for the class. The guys also give the latest updates from spring practice and talk about what interim AD Marcus Sedberry had to say when he met the media for the first time.

True freshman QB Ryan Hopkins is turning heads at Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse discuss how Hopkins has forced his way up the depth chart and some of the plays that have helped him. The guys also get into some wide receivers that stood out Thursday, improvements in the run game and the defense coming up with some big plays. The guys close with a bunch of listener questions.

Wisconsin's athletic department is going to look much different moving forward with the departure of Chris McIntosh. Zach and Jesse discuss the move of McIntosh to the Big Ten office, his legacy at Wisconsin, the impact of the move on football coach Luke Fickell, the man taking over as interim AD Marcus Sedberry and much more.

Wisconsin's new starting quarterback met the media for the first time. Zach and Jesse discuss what Colton Joseph had to say, including how he's adjusting to Madison, why he chose the Badgers, how he sees himself as the next Zach Wilson and much more. The guys also give their thoughts on the fifth practice of spring and talk about in-state recruiting in the wake of Kingston Allen's commitment.

Wisconsin is off this week for spring break but there is still plenty to talk about. Zach and Jesse discuss three more commitments in the class of 2027, including 4-star priority commit Cole Reiter. Then new running backs coach Jayden Everett joins the show followed by the guys answering a ton of listener questions.

After the offense was humming on Tuesday, the defense reasserted itself on Thursday in a practice that featured a ton of third-down work. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw inside Camp Randall Stadium, including some edge guys standing out and the first fracas of camp. The guys also get into what DC Mike Tressel had to say about his group entering his fourth season.

Wisconsin continued spring practice on Tuesday morning and it was a good day for new starting QB Colton Joseph. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw from the Old Dominion transfer, some of the guys making plays for him at wide receiver, how OC Jeff Grimes plans to use him and more. The guys also go deeper on Grimes comments after practice as he prepares the offense in his second season.

Football has finally arrived for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the biggest questions facing Wisconsin as they open spring practice this week in Madison. 

Wisconsin made several assistant coach hires official recently. Zach and Jesse discuss what some of the new guys had to say when they met the media, including RBs coach Jayden Everett's plan for his room. The guys also dive into the latest 2027 commit in Isaac Miller and the Badgers targeting of legacy QB Jack Sorgi. They close with a quick recap of Wisconsin's Pro Day.

The NFL Combine is in the books and UW's Pro Day is this week. Zach and Jesse discuss the performances of Vinny Anthony and Mason Reiger, while looking ahead at an important pro day for Nyzier Fourqurean and several other Badgers. Then LB Cooper Catalano joins the show to talk about his offseason, his expectations for his second season, some guys that are looking good so far, his friendship with Mason Posa and much more.

The NFL Combine gets going in Indianapolis this week. Zach and Jesse discuss the two Badgers in attendance -- Vinny Anthony and Mason Reiger -- and which will get drafted higher. Then the guys dive into the best potential pros on the current Wisconsin roster and rank the top-5 transfers all-time for the Badgers. They close with some more travel stories.

Wisconsin is in the market for a new wide receivers coach. Zach and Jesse discuss the departure of Jordan Reid, its impact on the room and whether this is finally the time Luke Fickell tries to add a former Wisconsin player as a main assistant. The guys also get into some position battles to watch heading into spring ball, a great transfer story in Liam Danitz and they close with their best travel stories from the beat.

Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh spoke with reporters Monday. Zach and Jesse discuss his comments on the job Luke Fickell has done in the offseason, why he still has faith in his coach, the attitude of season ticket holders and more. They also talk about Fickell asking not to be considered for a contract extension, whether Mason Posa is the face of the program and the battle for the backup QB job.

The Badgers are in the middle of their winter workouts. Zach and Jesse are joined by Brady Collins, Wisconsin's Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, to talk about the changes made this offseason, how they are handling the influx of players from the transfer portal, some early standouts and more.

Wisconsin's 2026 schedule is set. Zach and Jesse discuss what appears to be an easier slate than 2025 and whether progress can be judged strictly on the Badgers final record. They also get into a big Junior Day recruiting weekend and talk about Jesse's conversation with Wisconsin QB coach Kenny Guiton.

Luke Fickell met the media Wednesday to discuss Wisconsin's transfer portal haul. Zach and Jesse discuss their biggest takeaways from the 30-minute session, including whether the Badgers have closed the gap to the Big Ten's best. They also get into a ton of listener questions on which transfers will make the biggest impact, their least favorite portal takes and more.

The transfer portal is closed but Wisconsin stayed busy over the weekend, adding three more players. Zach and Jesse discuss those guys and then go position-by-position to recap the Badgers portal haul.

Wisconsin stayed busy in the transfer portal adding four more guys since Friday. Zach and Jesse discuss them, including wide receiver Malachi Coleman. Then they introduce the other QB the Badgers signed in Deuce Adams, explain what happened with CB Omillio Agard, talk about the commitment of TE Korz Loken and a little Overreaction, er No?

Wisconsin got one of their own back from the transfer portal on Thursday. Zach and Jesse discuss what brought Eugene Hilton Jr back to Madison, the latest portal additions and what coach Luke Fickell and GM Marcus Sedberry had to say about the entire transfer portal process.

Wisconsin is keeping busy in the transfer portal and now has 18 commits. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest haul, including three cornerbacks. They also get into Joe Brunner's decision to enter the portal and finish his career elsewhere. They close the show by answering a ton of listener questions.

Wisconsin was active over the weekend in the transfer portal, adding 10 new players. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position to talk about about what the Badgers are getting in those guys, including RB Abu Sama and linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. They also discuss the areas where more guys are needed.

Wisconsin has its starting quarterback for 2026. Old Dominion's Colton Joseph signed with the Badgers on Sunday. Zach and Jesse discuss his recruitment, what he brings to the table and what it says that Wisconsin landed its top option at the position.

The transfer portal will open on Friday. Zach and Jesse talk about the latest news, including Billy Edwards Jr leaving and the importance of landing a new quarterback ASAP. The guys also get into RB coach Devon Spalding heading to Michigan State and they tackle a ton of listener questions.

The number of players leaving Wisconsin increased this week with Eugene Hilton Jr and Dilin Jones hitting the portal. Zach and Jesse discuss the moves and some big picture thoughts on the QB and WR rooms. They also get into the addition of CB coach Robert Steeples and more.

Wisconsin has a new offensive line coach. Zach and Jesse discuss what Eric Mateos had to say when he met the media, including his assertion that he's never failed anywhere he's been. The guys also hit on the latest transfer portal news.

The trickle of players entering the transfer portal continued Monday for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest addition, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and its impact on Wisconsin's defense. They also hit on tight end Lance Mason's court case that could allow him to play in 2026 and the departure of Ethan Russo from the recruiting department.

It was a busy Wednesday for Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse are back to talk about the Badgers moving on from OL coach AJ Blazek, hiring former Arkansas OL coach Eric Mateos and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna is back in the transfer portal.

It's transfer portal season for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss some of the guys leaving Wisconsin, while also getting into some potential quarterback targets. They also talk about Mason Posa earning All-Big Ten honors and the Pitt game for 2026 being canceled. AJ Blazek was relieved of his duties as Wisconsin's OL coach. It happened after we got done recording (per usual) but Zach hits on it before the show begins. 

It was National Signing Day on Wednesday and Wisconsin got signatures from 12 players, but it was the guy that didn't sign -- Amari Latimer -- that ended up stealing the headlines. Zach and Jesse discuss what happened there, and also talk about the guys that did sign. Then the focus turns to Luke Fickell's comments on investing and where the Badgers need to invest the most. They close with their Champ Week picks.

The first National Signing Day is Wednesday. Zach and Jesse discuss what the 2026 class could look like with some late adds and potentially late losses. The guys also get into what the Badgers are getting in quarterback Ryan Hopkins. Then they hit on some transfer portal topics, including positions of need and guys Wisconsin would least like to lose.

Wisconsin went on the road and fell 17-7 to Minnesota to end its season. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right and wrong against the Gophers, including another anemic offensive performance. Then the guys get into what the offseason could hold for Luke Fickell and the Badgers.

It's Axe week for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss what success looks like for Wisconsin in its trip to Minnesota. The guys also talk about some of their favorite memories from the rivalry, discuss Wisconsin and Under Armour extending their deal and then they make their Week 14 picks.

Wisconsin beat its second ranked opponent in the last three weeks. Zach and Jesse discuss the win over Illinois, including a remarkable effort from the pass rush, especially Darryl Peterson, the offense gets an explosive play, Jeff Grimes ate Aaron Henry's lunch, Carter Smith did what he needed to and much more. The guys also answer your questions.

Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards spoke for the first time since before his knee injury. Zach and Jesse discuss Edwards' season from hell, including the role a lack of communication has played in creating a narrative around his absence. The guys also talk about the latest guy to flip in the 2026 class, what success looks like against Illinois and they make their Week 13 picks.

Wisconsin will welcome Bret Bielema back to Madison for a second time since he left for Arkansas in 2012. Zach and Jesse discuss what would have happened if he stayed, their favorite memories from his tenure and more. Then they get into 2026 OL Maddox Cochrane decommitting and play some Overreaction, er No?

Wisconsin put up a fight for a half at No. 2 Indiana on Saturday. Zach and Jesse look at what went right and what went wrong for the Badgers, including a defense that did what it could against a strong Hoosiers offense. They also jump into what Wisconsin should do at quarterback this offseason. They close with a bunch of listener questions.

Wisconsin heads to Bloomington this Saturday to face No. 2 Indiana. Zach and Jesse discuss what success looks like as 29.5-point underdogs and whether the Badgers defense can keep them in the game against the Hoosiers. They also hit on the commitment of 2027 OT Ethan McIntosh and where things stand with a couple important pieces of the 2026 class. They close with their Week 12 picks.

Wisconsin is getting ready for a trip to No. 2 Indiana on Saturday. Who will start at quarterback? Zach and Jesse discuss whether it will be Carter Smith or Hunter Simmons. The guys also get into how good the tandem of Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa could be, what is the most talented class on the roster, in-state recruiting and more.

Wisconsin beat a ranked team for the first time in 1,470 days. Zach and Jesse break it all down with what went right and wrong against Washington, including the standout efforts from Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, the debut of Carter Smith, whether this can be a turning point for Luke Fickell and much more.

Luke Fickell is officially back for another season. Zach and Jesse discuss Chris McIntosh's decision, why he made it, what success next year looks like, fan reaction and much more. They also touch on Wisconsin's matchup with Washington and make their Week 11 picks.

Wisconsin is getting ready to face No. 24 Washington and there could be a new face at quarterback. Zach and Jesse discuss whether this is the week Carter Smith sees the field and exactly what fans should expect if he does. They also get into the murky Billy Edwards Jr situation and whether he'll play again, Luke Fickell saying the OL issues have been a bigger achilles heel than QB, and a report showing alcohol sales at Camp Randall Stadium crushing every other stadium.

It's the Halloween episode of The Camp. Zach and Jesse discuss big donor Ted Kellner coming out in support of AD Chris McIntosh, give their biggest questions about the future of the program, talk about the scariest player in Wisconsin history and close with their Week 10 picks.

Wisconsin lost its sixth straight game but it wasn't all bad against Oregon. Zach and Jesse break it down by telling you what went right and what went wrong against the Ducks. That includes the performances from some young guys and another tough outing for Hunter Simmons. They also answer a ton of listener questions, including the possibility that Carter Smith gets a shot at QB in the final four games.

Wisconsin is headed to Oregon on Saturday to face the 6th-ranked Ducks. Zach and Jesse preview the game and discuss what success looks like for the Badgers after being shut out the last two weeks. They also get into Jesse's story where he spoke with members of the Rose Bowl-winning teams of the 1990s and got their take on where the program is. They close by making their weekly picks.

Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh came out in support of Luke Fickell and the program in a letter to fans on Monday. Zach and Jesse discuss the substance of the letter, including what an increased investment in the program would look like and whether fans should believe it. They also get into Fickell's job status after he said he had not been told he'd be back. The guys play a little Overreaction, er No? and agree with Fickell when he called the Nyzier Fourqurean situation "unacceptable."

Wisconsin dropped its 9th straight Big Ten game and got shut out again. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right and wrong against Ohio State, the story from BadgerExtra that AD Chris McIntosh told the team coach Luke Fickell will be back in 2026, the impact that could have on the program, Wisconsin's anemic offense, a leader playing through a broken arm and more.