John Torchio
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

Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) throws the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Wisconsin at Minnesota 11/27/2021

Nov. 27, 2021 05:57 PM EST

Wisconsin's Braelon Allen breasks into the end zone for a topuchdwon run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Northwestern at Wisconsin 11/13/2021

Nov. 13, 2021 01:17 PM EST

Wisconsin safety John Torchio (15) is shown warming up before NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Wisconsin at Rutgers 11/6/2021

Nov. 06, 2021 03:23 PM EDT

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi (6) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Graham Mertz (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Wisconsin defeated Purdue 30-13. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mellusi, Allen help Wisconsin run past No. 25 Purdue, 30-13

By Mark Ambrogi Oct. 23, 2021 06:40 PM EDT

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Army at Wisconsin 10/16/2021

Oct. 16, 2021 09:13 PM EDT

Eastern Michigan's Freddie McGee III breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Danny Davis III during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Mellusi powers No. 18 Wisconsin past Eastern Michigan 37-7

By Tamira Madsen Sep. 11, 2021 10:33 PM EDT

Penn State's Sean Clifford tries to get away from Wisconsin's Nick Herbig during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Penn State at Wisconsin 9/4/2021

Sep. 04, 2021 01:47 PM EDT

Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor celebrates a touchdown against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Taylor helps No. 13 Wisconsin trounce No. 11 Michigan 35-14

By Keith Jenkins Sep. 21, 2019 04:27 PM EDT