Austin Rapp: The Underdog Eyeing Stardom
Austin Rapp’s sophomore season at Wisconsin had its peaks and valleys. Logging 23.1 minutes per game, he averaged 9.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on efficient shooting splits. His season-high performances came in back-to-back outings—a 19-point, 6-rebound explosion against Purdue and an 18-point, 5-rebound, 3-assist gem versus Illinois—flipping his narrative from mid-major misfit to Big Ten difference maker. Yet a cold stretch from December through January saw Rapp shoot just 23-for-57 and struggle with defensive physicality, highlighting the inconsistency that capped his “B” grade. Looking ahead, joining forces with playmaker Owen Foxwell could boost Rapp’s off-ball shooting and passing chops, setting the stage for a breakout 2026-27 campaign.
Here’s the thing: we’ve all secretly tuned in to watch whether Rapp can remember how to shoot a basketball. His December slump was so epic it could’ve starred in a holiday rom-com titled “A Very Cold Shooting Night.” But then—surprise!—he went nuclear in the Big Ten Tournament like a mild-mannered accountant discovering a penchant for confetti cannons. Next season, he’s poised to be Wisconsin’s resident Swiss Army knife: part sharp shooter, part undercover playmaker, and perhaps part motivational speaker for those still stuck in shooting purgatory. Praise be to the three-point gods if he finally decides to wake up every game.
Fall Camp Face-Off: Badgers Battle for Jobs
As Wisconsin’s fall camp approaches, three position battles stand out. Quarterback Deuce Adams, a Louisville transfer, arrived expecting a backup role but now risks slipping to third on the depth chart behind Colton Joseph and true freshman Ryan Hopkins. Cornerback Eric Fletcher, despite veteran status, saw redshirt freshman Jai’mier Scott seize spring camp buzz while recovering from injury, setting up a showdown for the CB2 spot. At outside linebacker, Kentucky transfer Tyreese Fearbry is tentatively penciled in as a starter but faces hungry challengers—including rising sophomore Nick Clayton and senior edge setters Michael Garner and Justus Boone—eager to capitalize on Fearbry’s unproven performance and infamous pregame penalty mishap.
Welcome to fall camp, where helmets aren’t just for tackling—they’re medieval helmets in the gladiatorial coliseum of college football. Deuce Adams thought he signed up for a cushy backup gig but might end up holding a clipboard so heavy it doubles as a doorstop. Over in the secondary, Eric Fletcher’s healing hamstring has ignited a freshman uprising that’s more dramatic than a daytime soap. And don’t even get started on Tyreese Fearbry—his most famous moment to date was a penalty flag dance-off before kickoff. If camp was an Olympic sport, these three would be vying for gold in the “Panic Position Battle.” Bring popcorn and neck braces.
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