Jim Leonhard
FILE - Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Madison, Wisc., Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Wisconsin has produced defenses that have ranked among the nation’s stingiest virtually every year since Jim Leonhard took over as coordinator in 2017. Leonhard faces perhaps his biggest challenge in maintaining that standard this year. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin defense faces major challenge in bid to stay elite

By Steve Megargee Apr. 22, 2022 11:27 AM EDT

FILE - Exterior view of the Allegiant Stadium before the Las Vegas Raiders played the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL Professional Football Game Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is adding the NFL’s crown jewel with the Super Bowl coming to cap the 2023 season. The league’s biggest event will follow the Pro Bowl this season and the NFL draft next year. (AP Photo/John McCoy, File)
Badgers, Sun Devils carry Las Vegas Bowl into new stadium

By The Associated Press Dec. 28, 2021 11:23 PM EST

Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Penn State won 16-10. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No. 12 Irish face No. 18 Wisconsin with OL work in progress

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 23, 2021 01:30 PM EDT

Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stingy Wisconsin defense readies for Coan, Fighting Irish

By Steve Megargee Sep. 20, 2021 03:45 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2020, file photo, Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn chases Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Sanborn collected a team-high 52 tackles last season to help Wisconsin place fifth nationally in total defense and tie for ninth in scoring defense. He will lead Wisconsin’s defense again when the 12th-ranked Badgers open their season Saturday by hosting No. 19 Penn State. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)
Sanborn leads defense, guides brother for No. 12 Wisconsin

By Steve Megargee Aug. 29, 2021 10:49 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Madison, Wisc. Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard says he has unfinished business at his alma mater and wouldn’t have felt right leaving after a pandemic-shortened season as he explained his decision to remain with the Badgers. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Leonhard says he has 'unfinished business' at Wisconsin

Mar. 31, 2021 01:45 PM EDT

Badgers' Kolodziej goes from strength coach to d-line coach

Jan. 20, 2021 07:00 PM EST
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin has named Ross Kolodziej defensive line coach after he served as the program’s head strength and conditioning coach over the...

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin's Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) and Leon Jacobs celebrate after a sack of Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin traditionally wins games primarily because of its running game and defense. Now that Jonathan Taylor has moved on to the NFL, that would seem to put more pressure on the defense to carry the load as the Badgers’ offense adjusts to life without the two-time Doak Walker Award winner. The defense looks forward to that challenge. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin's veteran defense ready for bigger responsibility

By Steve Megargee Oct. 19, 2020 05:10 PM EDT

Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun (56) celebrates after sacking Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
No. 7 Oregon faces No. 11 Wisconsin in 106th Rose Bowl

By The Associated Press Dec. 31, 2019 11:10 AM EST

Wisconsin's Scott Nelson intercepts a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 45-14. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New Mexico at Wisconsin 9/8/2018

Sep. 19, 2018 10:28 AM EDT