Wisconsin’s Heiberger Moves to Inside Linebacker as Offseason Progresses

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell announced Tuesday that redshirt freshman Thomas Heiberger has transitioned to the inside linebacker position. This change, reflected in the team’s updated spring roster, signals a strategic shift as preparations for the 2025 season get underway.

Heiberger, who joined the Wisconsin program as one of the top recruits in the class of 2024, was ranked as the No. 463 overall player and the No. 40 linebacker nationally, making him the highest-rated player from South Dakota. Originally an outside linebacker, his early potential was curtailed due to injury, limiting him to four appearances on special teams last season.

The decision to shift Heiberger’s position has implications for the team’s depth chart at linebacker. Wisconsin is set to start 2024 players Christian Alliegro and Tackett Curtis at inside linebacker, with limited depth beyond them. Other options include redshirt sophomore Tyler Jansey along with a transfer from Western Carolina.

On the outside, Wisconsin expects contributions from returning veterans Darryl Peterson and Aaron Witt. Heiberger will face competition for playing time, but Fickell noted that the transition allows for more versatility within the defense.

“Thomas (Heiberger) has moved to inside linebacker,” Fickell said when discussing the pass-rusher group. “Aaron Witt is also playing a little bit of a hybrid; he’ll play some of the edge stuff. We’re just trying to use some more versatility. Again, it gives us a chance to get bigger.”

This offseason, Wisconsin has bolstered its defensive line, adding several key transfers including defensive tackles from Western Michigan, Tulane, UT-Martin, and LSU. Fickell emphasized the importance of size in practices to improve performance on the field.

“You’re playing nickel all the time; now you can go into a base defense, you can add a guy that’s 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5, 245 pounds as another piece on the field, along with the big 300-pounders,” Fickell explained. “It was an emphasis for us to be able to get bigger. Obviously, the way that we have to practice, this gives us an opportunity to get those guys more reps.”

As preparation for the 2025 season continues, how Heiberger adapts to this new role will be crucial to the team’s defensive strategy. If his previous performances are any indication, he could become a significant contributor this upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin transfer wide receiver Grady O’Neill announced his commitment to Sam Houston State on Wednesday, becoming the fourth former Badger to join the Bearkats this offseason. The trend stems from the recent hiring of Phil Longo, Wisconsin’s former offensive coordinator.

O’Neill, who came to Wisconsin as a preferred walk-on in 2022, had limited playing time throughout his tenure, seeing action in just three games during the 2024 season. He will join fellow transfers in Sam Houston State’s revamped roster under Longo.

Wisconsin’s 2025 season will include returning contributors Trech Kekahuna and Vinny Anthony, along with new transfers Mark Hamper from Idaho and Jayden Ballard. The Badgers aim to improve upon their offensive output, which struggled under Longo’s air raid scheme during 2023 and 2024.

With the influx of new talent and positional adjustments, Wisconsin’s focus heading into the 2025 campaign will be to enhance their performance and strive for bowl eligibility.