The Wisconsin Badgers are heading into a season of major transition, and the numbers confirm it—this is a team that will look very different on the field. According to a recent analysis by CBS Sports' Cody Nagel, which tracked returning snap percentages for all 138 qualified college football teams, the Badgers rank just No. 96 overall. That puts them firmly in the bottom half of the nation when it comes to continuity.

For a team that stumbled to a 4-8 record (2-7 in conference play) last season, that might not be all bad news. While every program craves stability and returning star power, the 2023 campaign left little to celebrate. Head coach Luke Fickell and his staff are essentially hitting reset, and the snap data tells the story.

Wisconsin returns just 33% of its total snaps from last year. Broken down further, the offense brings back 37% of its snaps, ranking No. 75 nationally, while the defense is even thinner at 30%, which lands at No. 109. For context, the Badgers' week one opponent, Notre Dame, sits at the top of the list with a 66% return rate, including 73% on defense.

The defensive outlook is especially concerning. While the linebacker corps looks solid—returning 65% of snaps, good for No. 20 in the country—the rest of the unit is a patchwork. The Badgers return just 23% of their defensive backs (No. 112) and a startling 9% of their defensive linemen, which ranks No. 134 out of 138 teams. That's a massive hole to fill up front.

On offense, the picture is slightly brighter but still mixed. Quarterbacks return 60% of snaps (No. 50), and running backs are at 55% (No. 41). However, the wide receivers bring back just 35% (No. 73), tight ends 20% (No. 86), and the offensive line returns only 34% (No. 83).

For a program known for its physical, ground-and-pound identity, these numbers suggest a rebuilding year in Madison. But with new faces and fresh opportunities, the Badgers could surprise—especially if the returning pieces step up. As Fickell shapes his roster, fans will be watching closely to see how quickly this team can find its footing.