Wisconsin football should be one of the best teams in the country in 2018, thanks to some of these under-the-radar players

The Wisconsin Badgers are fresh off their best season in program history. It was a season that was fueled by the nation’s best defense and often times carried by that unit when the offense was not performing at the level they should have been.

The year 2018 could be a different story for the young Badgers as the offense returns nearly every starter from a year ago and all skill position slots other than the tight end. The Badgers will bring back their starting quarterback, running back, and all four of their top wide receivers from a year ago.

Of course, the defense is sure to be an elite group as well under the direction of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The one spot that could be something to keep an eye on next year is the secondary, which will be without three of its four starters from a year ago.

The nation will be focused in on the Badgers’ main stars next season as running back Jonathan Taylor is sure to be an early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Junior receiver Quintez Cephus will be returning from his season-ending injury. Cephus led the team last year in receiving touchdowns despite playing in just half the games.

On the other side, big-time defensive playmakers return in safety D’Cota Dixon and linebackers Ryan Connelly and T.J. Edwards.

There were many players in 2017 that were on the verge of breaking through heading into next year, some of these under-the-radar players could be the X-factors for the Badgers Big Ten and College Football Playoff runs.