Wisconsin Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2018 season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Running back Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball against linebacker Chris Worley #35 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Running back Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball against linebacker Chris Worley #35 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

5. Three wide receivers have at least 600 yards

The Badgers have their best receiving core in a long time and perhaps even ever. Even though they lost their leading “receiver” in tight end Troy Fumagalli, they return four studs at the position and one brand new freshman who could make some waves.

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Quintez Cephus, A.J. Taylor, Danny Davis and Kendric Pryror all return after fabulous seasons as underclassmen. As a whole, they struggled with injuries, but will look to stay healthy and give quarterback Alex Hornibrook some dangerous weapons.

The group also added true freshman Aron Cruickshank to the mix. The 5-foot-9, 154-pound freshman is lightning in a bottle and is extremely dangerous in the open field. Although he may not be a true receiving threat, the Badgers will certainly try to get him the ball in space.

All of this adds up to the receivers having a great season in Madison. Given there’s no tight end and no huge receiving threat in the backfield, three of these guys will have at least 600 receiving yards. The playbook will be able to open up as Wisconsin moves the ball up and down the field at will against everyone. Cephus, Taylor and Davis are the favorites to top that mark.