Wisconsin Football: 5 biggest questions heading into 2018 spring game

2. Can the defense remain elite?

The Badgers were ranked second in total defense, third in scoring defense, and third in rushing defense a year ago, which is good for arguably the best and most well-rounded unit in the entire nation.

Wisconsin will get a lot of good talent back in 2018, but will also be without some key contributors, specifically in the secondary.

The Badgers will start the 2018 season without three of their four starting secondary pieces from 2017, as Derrick Tindal Jr., Natrell Jamerson, and Nick Nelson have all moved on and should enjoy some success at the professional level. The only returning starter in the secondary is safety D’Cota Dixon, who dealt with injury problems a year ago.

The linebacking unit will also be without Garrett Dooley and Jack Cichy, but will hope to replace that with a healthy Zack Baun. Not to mention other members of the core such as Chris Orr and Andrew Van Ginkel will be returning.

The front seven for the Badgers should have no problem holding their own next season, but it is the young secondary that will need to step up big in order to maintain that elite level. The young guys coming in and ready to step are talented and will look to the leadership of Dixon to keep the image of reputation they have earned going strong.