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Wisconsin Badgers Coach Predicts Sophomore Edge Rusher Will Break Out in 2026

Wisconsin Badgers outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell sees one of his young pass rushers breaking out and being this year's version of Mason Posa.
Lorin Cox|
Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nicolas Clayton (12) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nicolas Clayton (12) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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The Wisconsin Badgers defense leaned on the breakout performances of freshmen linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano last season to give them a much-needed boost down the stretch.

The coaching staff sees another young linebacker ready to make a similar leap in 2026.

In an interview with ESPN Madison, outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell identified the player he thinks could be this fall's version of Posa and Catalano.

"I really think Nick Clayton is in that category of players," Mitchell said. "(He) was a true freshman that probably earned a right to play more."

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Clayton only appeared in 13 snaps on defense last season, according to PFF, rushing the passer eight times and defending the run on the other five.

He recorded his only tackle against Ohio State and his only quarterback pressure against Middle Tennessee.

Still, he showed Mitchell enough throughout the year to have a lot of confidence in him entering 2026.

"He's got high pass rush upside. He played on every single special teams," Mitchell said. "I made the decision not to redshirt him. I wanted him to play and get Big Ten experience so we could catapult him into this 2026 season."

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Wisconsin was loaded with depth at the edge rusher position last year, with the likes of Mason Reiger and Darryl Peterson now headed for the NFL Draft.

Clayton will still have to compete for playing time with veterans like Sebastian Cheeks and Tyrese Fearbry, but he has the endorsement of his position coach who is eager to see him continue to develop this offseason.

Clayton might not be a Week 1 starter, but don't be surprised to see him make splash plays in the edge rusher rotation this fall.

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Lorin Cox
LORIN COX

Lorin Cox is the managing editor of Wisconsin Badgers on SI. He has been covering Badgers sports since 2014, when he was an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. He previously wrote for the Wisconsin State Journal, NBC Sports Chicago and USA Today Sports Media Group, and he is a former analyst for Pro Football Focus.

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