Wisconsin Tight End Rob Booker Medically Retires Before Spring Practice

MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin football team announced its 2025 spring roster on March 10, revealing a notable absence: tight end Rob Booker II has medically retired from football due to head injuries and neurological issues. Initially recruited as a three-star prospect from Waunakee, Booker, who did not play during his freshman year, will remain involved with the team in some capacity, according to 247Sports‘ Evan Flood.

Booker’s decision comes as the Badgers prepare for spring ball this week, raising questions about the team’s tight end depth. The Badgers have included seven scholarship tight ends on the updated roster, including Ball State transfer Tanner Koziol, Tucker Ashcraft, Jackson McGohan, JT Seagraves, and four-star recruit Grant Stec.

The absence of Booker is particularly significant as the team aims to bolster its tight end production, which has struggled in recent seasons. Despite Booker’s recruitment journey that resulted in him flipping commitments between Wisconsin and UCLA, he ultimately returned to the Badgers on National Signing Day, forming a tight end class alongside Stec.

In a shift to address depth issues following Booker’s retirement, running back Jackson Acker has transitioned to tight end, complementing the existing group. The tight end roster now includes three-star prospects Emmett Bork and Nizyi Davis, who will join later this summer.

Wisconsin’s commitment to building a strong tight end rotation comes at a critical time, as the coaching staff, led by head coach Luke Fickell, looks to maximize production from this position. The tight ends have contributed minimally in past seasons, making the anticipated contributions from Koziol and Acker crucial for the upcoming campaign.

Alongside the challenges at tight end, the running back unit has been reduced to four scholarship players, with Acker’s move shifting roster dynamics. The current running backs include Cade Yacamelli, Darrion Dupree, Dilin Jones, and Gideon Ituka, alongside walk-on Grover Bortolotti.

As spring practices commence, the Badgers must now recalibrate their game plan to compensate for Booker’s absence. Football operations will continue to evolve with the potential for player additions through the transfer portal, which opens for a brief window in mid-April.

The Badgers will aim to get the most out of their updated roster, keeping a close eye on player development and performance throughout the spring practices leading up to the 2025 season.