WATCH: Vinny Anthony II goes 95-yards untouched on Badgers kick return touchdown at Alabama

The Wisconsin Badgers' dynamic receiver provided a much-needed spark with an impressive kickoff return touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) catches a pass during the first quarter against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Camp Randall Stadium.
Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) catches a pass during the first quarter against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Camp Randall Stadium. | Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

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The Wisconsin Badgers were desperate for a big play to start the second half against Alabama.

Their most dynamic play-maker delivered in the biggest way.

Right after the Crimson Tide punched Wisconsin in the mouth with a 75-yard screen pass touchdown, Vinny Anthony II responded with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown where he was untouched.

It was the first-career special teams touchdown for the Badgers' speedster, who came close a few times before but never broke free until now.

Entering Week 3, he had only had one kickoff return opportunity against Middle Tennessee State, a 25-yard return.

His first breakaway score came when Wisconsin needed it most, struggling to move the ball against Alabama and in major need of a spark with the scoreboard deficit growing.

One kickoff return touchdown isn't enough to spark a miracle comeback, but it sends a message to every opponent on the Badgers schedule that they have to be careful kicking it to Anthony.

He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and plays like this will get him plenty of attention from the NFL in next year's draft.

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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.