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The Camp: A Wisconsin Badgers Football Podcast artwork

The Camp: A Wisconsin Badgers Football Podcast

The Zone·Hosted by Zach Heilprin and Jesse Temple·444 episodes

SportsBadgers footballCo-hosted analysis40-60 minListener questionsRecruiting updatesTeam-specific

A podcast focused on Wisconsin football hosted by the Wisconsin Sports Zone Network's Zach Heilprin and Badger Connect's Jesse Temple

Why listen

The Camp gives Wisconsin Badgers football fans a beat-writer style conversation with Zach Heilprin and Jesse Temple, focused on the details that shape the program week to week. Episodes mix practice observations, recruiting updates, roster analysis, listener questions, and occasional interviews with players, coaches, and former Badgers. It is best for fans who want more than score reactions and want to understand where Wisconsin football is heading.

Episodes

46 min
Jun 3, 2026
Badgers land 4-star DB Mekhi Williams, previewing Week 2 of official visits

On a special episode of The Camp, Zach and Jesse discuss the commitment of 4-star defensive back Mekhi Williams, 3-star CB Royalton Allen and look ahead to Week 2 of official visit for the Badgers. The Camp is presented by Brennan's Market, your home for the best Wisconsin cheese, fresh produce, and a curated selection of specialty foods, wine, craft beer spirits. Experience Taste Everyday https://brennansmarket.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 min
Jun 2, 2026
The latest adds in the 2027 class, Wisconsin hires new GM, best Badgers QB ever?

Wisconsin parlayed a strong first weekend of official visits into a couple commits and several more could be on the way. Zach and Jesse discuss the commitments of Jai Jones and Nathan Jones, the potential for some more and what it means. Then they get into the reported hiring of a new football GM and how it impacts interim AD Marcus Sedberry. They close with some talk about the best quarterbacks in Wisconsin history. The Camp is presented by Brennan's Market, your home for the best Wisconsin cheese, fresh produce, and a curated selection of specialty foods, wine, craft beer spirits. Experience Taste Everyday https://brennansmarket.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

52 min
May 27, 2026
Official visit season is here, BadgerBlitz.com's Evan Flood joins the show

Official visit season has arrived. Zach and Jesse are joined by BadgerBlitz.com's Evan Flood to discuss a couple big weekends coming up for Wisconsin on the recruiting front. The guys also get into how many commitments we should expect in the near future, expectations for this fall, whether Luke Fickell will actually get to coach the 2027 commits and much more. The Camp is presented by Brennan's Market, your home for the best Wisconsin cheese, fresh produce, and a curated selection of specialty foods, wine, craft beer & spirits. Experience Taste Everyday Brennan's MarketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

55 min
May 19, 2026
Players under pressure, B1G assistant takes shot at Wisconsin, Athletic Director search

It's a make-or-break season for plenty of coaches and players at Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse discuss the ones they think are under the most pressure, including coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The guys also get into what an assistant Big Ten coach had to say about Fickell and the Badgers in a recent magazine article. They close by talking about what Wisconsin should be looking for in a new athletic director. The Camp is presented by Brennan's Market, your home for the best Wisconsin cheese, fresh produce, and a curated selection of specialty foods, wine, craft beer & spirits. Brennan's Market - Experience Taste Everyday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 4 min
May 7, 2026
Badgers to open under the lights, spring ball superlatives, Bradie Ewing joins the show

With Wisconsin on a break following spring practice, the guys delve into some spring ball superlatives, including who the best freshmen and transfers were. They also hit on the news the Badgers will open under the lights against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. Then they are joined by new Director of Football Alumni Relations Bradie Ewing to discuss his new role and why it's important. They close with how you would use your money to help the program if you were a billionaire.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 17 min
Apr 30, 2026
Spring practice recap, listener questions

Spring practice is in the books for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position breaking down what they saw over the 15 practices, including surprises and where several position battles stand. The guys close with listener questions, including whether what the guys saw in spring changes their outlook for the 2026 season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

55 min
Apr 27, 2026
The Camp: Offense performs well in spring scrimmage, QBs Colton Joseph and Ryan Hopkins impress

Wisconsin's offense put together one of its strongest scrimmages of the Luke Fickell era on Saturday. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right for QBs Colton Joseph and Ryan Hopkins, WR Jaylon Domingeaux's big day, TE Grant Stec's standout plays, the running of RB Bryan Jackson, some guys that made an impact on defense and more. They also hit on the Badgers getting shutout in the 2026 NFL Draft and more on the commitment of 2027 QB Jack SorgiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
Apr 24, 2026
QB Jack Sorgi commits, Interim AD Marcus Sedberry speaks, latest updates from spring ball

Wisconsin landed its quarterback in the 2027 class. Zach and Jesse discuss the breaking news that legacy Jack Sorgi committed to the Badgers and what it means for the class. The guys also give the latest updates from spring practice and talk about what interim AD Marcus Sedberry had to say when he met the media for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

52 min
Apr 16, 2026
QB Ryan Hopkins turning heads, defense making plays, listener questions

True freshman QB Ryan Hopkins is turning heads at Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse discuss how Hopkins has forced his way up the depth chart and some of the plays that have helped him. The guys also get into some wide receivers that stood out Thursday, improvements in the run game and the defense coming up with some big plays. The guys close with a bunch of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 min
Apr 14, 2026
Chris McIntosh leaving, Luke Fickell reacts, Marcus Sedberry takes over as interim AD

Wisconsin's athletic department is going to look much different moving forward with the departure of Chris McIntosh. Zach and Jesse discuss the move of McIntosh to the Big Ten office, his legacy at Wisconsin, the impact of the move on football coach Luke Fickell, the man taking over as interim AD Marcus Sedberry and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 min
Apr 7, 2026
Colton Joseph speaks, Practice 5 thoughts, Luke Fickell talks in-state recruiting

Wisconsin's new starting quarterback met the media for the first time. Zach and Jesse discuss what Colton Joseph had to say, including how he's adjusting to Madison, why he chose the Badgers, how he sees himself as the next Zach Wilson and much more. The guys also give their thoughts on the fifth practice of spring and talk about in-state recruiting in the wake of Kingston Allen's commitment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 8 min
Apr 2, 2026
3 new commits in 2027 class, RBs coach Jayden Everett joins the show, early spring ball thoughts

Wisconsin is off this week for spring break but there is still plenty to talk about. Zach and Jesse discuss three more commitments in the class of 2027, including 4-star priority commit Cole Reiter. Then new running backs coach Jayden Everett joins the show followed by the guys answering a ton of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34 min
Mar 26, 2026
Defense takes the day, DC Mike Tressel speaks

After the offense was humming on Tuesday, the defense reasserted itself on Thursday in a practice that featured a ton of third-down work. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw inside Camp Randall Stadium, including some edge guys standing out and the first fracas of camp. The guys also get into what DC Mike Tressel had to say about his group entering his fourth season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min
Mar 24, 2026
Colton Joseph shines on Day 3, new defenders making plays, OC Jeff Grimes speaks

Wisconsin continued spring practice on Tuesday morning and it was a good day for new starting QB Colton Joseph. Zach and Jesse discuss what they saw from the Old Dominion transfer, some of the guys making plays for him at wide receiver, how OC Jeff Grimes plans to use him and more. The guys also go deeper on Grimes comments after practice as he prepares the offense in his second season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

48 min
Mar 17, 2026
Spring practice preview

Football has finally arrived for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the biggest questions facing Wisconsin as they open spring practice this week in Madison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

43 min
Mar 11, 2026
Meeting the new assistants, 2027 recruiting and a legacy QB, Pro Day recap

Wisconsin made several assistant coach hires official recently. Zach and Jesse discuss what some of the new guys had to say when they met the media, including RBs coach Jayden Everett's plan for his room. The guys also dive into the latest 2027 commit in Isaac Miller and the Badgers targeting of legacy QB Jack Sorgi. They close with a quick recap of Wisconsin's Pro Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

46 min
Mar 3, 2026
NFL Combine recap, look ahead to UW Pro Day, LB Cooper Catalano joins the show

The NFL Combine is in the books and UW's Pro Day is this week. Zach and Jesse discuss the performances of Vinny Anthony and Mason Reiger, while looking ahead at an important pro day for Nyzier Fourqurean and several other Badgers. Then LB Cooper Catalano joins the show to talk about his offseason, his expectations for his second season, some guys that are looking good so far, his friendship with Mason Posa and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

57 min
Feb 24, 2026
NFL Combine, best pro prospects on current roster, Top 5 transfers all-time

The NFL Combine gets going in Indianapolis this week. Zach and Jesse discuss the two Badgers in attendance -- Vinny Anthony and Mason Reiger -- and which will get drafted higher. Then the guys dive into the best potential pros on the current Wisconsin roster and rank the top-5 transfers all-time for the Badgers. They close with some more travel stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 14 min
Feb 17, 2026
Jordan Reid leaves, spring position battles to watch, Zach and Jesse travel stories

Wisconsin is in the market for a new wide receivers coach. Zach and Jesse discuss the departure of Jordan Reid, its impact on the room and whether this is finally the time Luke Fickell tries to add a former Wisconsin player as a main assistant. The guys also get into some position battles to watch heading into spring ball, a great transfer story in Liam Danitz and they close with their best travel stories from the beat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
Feb 10, 2026
Chris McIntosh's faith in Luke Fickell, season ticket renewals, Mason Posa is a star

Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh spoke with reporters Monday. Zach and Jesse discuss his comments on the job Luke Fickell has done in the offseason, why he still has faith in his coach, the attitude of season ticket holders and more. They also talk about Fickell asking not to be considered for a contract extension, whether Mason Posa is the face of the program and the battle for the backup QB job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

51 min
Feb 3, 2026
Brady Collins joins the show, ranking the position groups after portal season

The Badgers are in the middle of their winter workouts. Zach and Jesse are joined by Brady Collins, Wisconsin's Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, to talk about the changes made this offseason, how they are handling the influx of players from the transfer portal, some early standouts and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min
Jan 28, 2026
2026 schedule released, Junior Day recap, Kenny Guiton talks QBs

Wisconsin's 2026 schedule is set. Zach and Jesse discuss what appears to be an easier slate than 2025 and whether progress can be judged strictly on the Badgers final record. They also get into a big Junior Day recruiting weekend and talk about Jesse's conversation with Wisconsin QB coach Kenny Guiton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59 min
Jan 22, 2026
Takeaways from Luke Fickell's transfer portal press conference, listener questions

Luke Fickell met the media Wednesday to discuss Wisconsin's transfer portal haul. Zach and Jesse discuss their biggest takeaways from the 30-minute session, including whether the Badgers have closed the gap to the Big Ten's best. They also get into a ton of listener questions on which transfers will make the biggest impact, their least favorite portal takes and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

56 min
Jan 19, 2026
More transfers added, position-by-position look at Wisconsin's portal haul

The transfer portal is closed but Wisconsin stayed busy over the weekend, adding three more players. Zach and Jesse discuss those guys and then go position-by-position to recap the Badgers portal haul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
Jan 14, 2026
Latest transfers, what happened with Omillio Agard, meet Deuce Adams, Korz Loken commits

Wisconsin stayed busy in the transfer portal adding four more guys since Friday. Zach and Jesse discuss them, including wide receiver Malachi Coleman. Then they introduce the other QB the Badgers signed in Deuce Adams, explain what happened with CB Omillio Agard, talk about the commitment of TE Korz Loken and a little Overreaction, er No?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

49 min
Jan 9, 2026
Eugene Hilton Jr is back, Badgers continue to add from the portal, Luke Fickell speaks

Wisconsin got one of their own back from the transfer portal on Thursday. Zach and Jesse discuss what brought Eugene Hilton Jr back to Madison, the latest portal additions and what coach Luke Fickell and GM Marcus Sedberry had to say about the entire transfer portal process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

54 min
Jan 7, 2026
Latest Wisconsin transfer additions, Joe Brunner to the portal, listener questions

Wisconsin is keeping busy in the transfer portal and now has 18 commits. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest haul, including three cornerbacks. They also get into Joe Brunner's decision to enter the portal and finish his career elsewhere. They close the show by answering a ton of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

43 min
Jan 5, 2026
The Camp: Wisconsin transfer portal additions, Colton Joesph, areas of need

Wisconsin was active over the weekend in the transfer portal, adding 10 new players. Zach and Jesse go position-by-position to talk about about what the Badgers are getting in those guys, including RB Abu Sama and linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. They also discuss the areas where more guys are needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 min
Jan 4, 2026
Colton Joseph is a Badger

Wisconsin has its starting quarterback for 2026. Old Dominion's Colton Joseph signed with the Badgers on Sunday. Zach and Jesse discuss his recruitment, what he brings to the table and what it says that Wisconsin landed its top option at the position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59 min
Dec 30, 2025
Transfer portal opening soon, RB coach Devon Spalding leaving, listener questions

The transfer portal will open on Friday. Zach and Jesse talk about the latest news, including Billy Edwards Jr leaving and the importance of landing a new quarterback ASAP. The guys also get into RB coach Devon Spalding heading to Michigan State and they tackle a ton of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 min
Dec 24, 2025
Latest transfer news, Eugene Hilton Jr and Dilin Jones hit the portal, new CB coach added

The number of players leaving Wisconsin increased this week with Eugene Hilton Jr and Dilin Jones hitting the portal. Zach and Jesse discuss the moves and some big picture thoughts on the QB and WR rooms. They also get into the addition of CB coach Robert Steeples and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 min
Dec 19, 2025
OL coach Eric Mateos meets the media, latest moves in the transfer portal

Wisconsin has a new offensive line coach. Zach and Jesse discuss what Eric Mateos had to say when he met the media, including his assertion that he's never failed anywhere he's been. The guys also hit on the latest transfer portal news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

47 min
Dec 16, 2025
LB Christian Alliegro hitting the transfer portal, TE Lance Mason looking for another year

The trickle of players entering the transfer portal continued Monday for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the latest addition, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and its impact on Wisconsin's defense. They also hit on tight end Lance Mason's court case that could allow him to play in 2026 and the departure of Ethan Russo from the recruiting department.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

37 min
Dec 11, 2025
AJ Blazek fired, Eric Mateos hired, Trech Kekahuna out

It was a busy Wednesday for Wisconsin. Zach and Jesse are back to talk about the Badgers moving on from OL coach AJ Blazek, hiring former Arkansas OL coach Eric Mateos and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna is back in the transfer portal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

47 min
Dec 10, 2025
Transfer portal departures begin, potential QB targets emerge, AJ Blazek out as OL coach

It's transfer portal season for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss some of the guys leaving Wisconsin, while also getting into some potential quarterback targets. They also talk about Mason Posa earning All-Big Ten honors and the Pitt game for 2026 being canceled. AJ Blazek was relieved of his duties as Wisconsin's OL coach. It happened after we got done recording (per usual) but Zach hits on it before the show begins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59 min
Dec 4, 2025
What happened with Amari Latimer, NSD 2026, Wisconsin's focus in the portal, Week 15 picks

It was National Signing Day on Wednesday and Wisconsin got signatures from 12 players, but it was the guy that didn't sign -- Amari Latimer -- that ended up stealing the headlines. Zach and Jesse discuss what happened there, and also talk about the guys that did sign. Then the focus turns to Luke Fickell's comments on investing and where the Badgers need to invest the most. They close with their Champ Week picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

49 min
Dec 2, 2025
Last minute adds and losses for Wisconsin's 2026 class, transfer portal needs

The first National Signing Day is Wednesday. Zach and Jesse discuss what the 2026 class could look like with some late adds and potentially late losses. The guys also get into what the Badgers are getting in quarterback Ryan Hopkins. Then they hit on some transfer portal topics, including positions of need and guys Wisconsin would least like to lose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 5 min
Nov 30, 2025
What went right and wrong vs Minnesota, what's next for Luke Fickell and the Badgers

Wisconsin went on the road and fell 17-7 to Minnesota to end its season. Zach and Jesse discuss what went right and wrong against the Gophers, including another anemic offensive performance. Then the guys get into what the offseason could hold for Luke Fickell and the Badgers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 min
Nov 25, 2025
Wisconsin-Minnesota preview, Remembering the Axe rivalry, UW-UA extend deal, Week 14 picks

It's Axe week for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss what success looks like for Wisconsin in its trip to Minnesota. The guys also talk about some of their favorite memories from the rivalry, discuss Wisconsin and Under Armour extending their deal and then they make their Week 14 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 min
Nov 23, 2025
What went right & wrong vs Illinois, Darryl Peterson was fantastic, offense gets going

Wisconsin beat its second ranked opponent in the last three weeks. Zach and Jesse discuss the win over Illinois, including a remarkable effort from the pass rush, especially Darryl Peterson, the offense gets an explosive play, Jeff Grimes ate Aaron Henry's lunch, Carter Smith did what he needed to and much more. The guys also answer your questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
Nov 20, 2025
QB Billy Edwards Jr speaks, 2026 class loses another, Wisconsin-Illinois preview

Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards spoke for the first time since before his knee injury. Zach and Jesse discuss Edwards' season from hell, including the role a lack of communication has played in creating a narrative around his absence. The guys also talk about the latest guy to flip in the 2026 class, what success looks like against Illinois and they make their Week 13 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

49 min
Nov 18, 2025
Bret Bielema returns to Madison, 2026 OL Maddox Cochrane decommits, Overreaction, er No?

Wisconsin will welcome Bret Bielema back to Madison for a second time since he left for Arkansas in 2012. Zach and Jesse discuss what would have happened if he stayed, their favorite memories from his tenure and more. Then they get into 2026 OL Maddox Cochrane decommitting and play some Overreaction, er No?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
Nov 16, 2025
What went right and wrong vs Indiana, the future at QB, listener questions

Wisconsin put up a fight for a half at No. 2 Indiana on Saturday. Zach and Jesse look at what went right and what went wrong for the Badgers, including a defense that did what it could against a strong Hoosiers offense. They also jump into what Wisconsin should do at quarterback this offseason. They close with a bunch of listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

38 min
Nov 13, 2025
Wisconsin-Indiana preview, 2027 OT Ethan McIntosh commits, 2026 recruiting, Week 12 picks

Wisconsin heads to Bloomington this Saturday to face No. 2 Indiana. Zach and Jesse discuss what success looks like as 29.5-point underdogs and whether the Badgers defense can keep them in the game against the Hoosiers. They also hit on the commitment of 2027 OT Ethan McIntosh and where things stand with a couple important pieces of the 2026 class. They close with their Week 12 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

47 min
Nov 11, 2025
Will it be Carter Smith or Hunter Simmons, Overreaction, er No?, more listener questions

Wisconsin is getting ready for a trip to No. 2 Indiana on Saturday. Who will start at quarterback? Zach and Jesse discuss whether it will be Carter Smith or Hunter Simmons. The guys also get into how good the tandem of Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa could be, what is the most talented class on the roster, in-state recruiting and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 1 min
Nov 9, 2025
What went right and wrong vs Washington, Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano show out

Wisconsin beat a ranked team for the first time in 1,470 days. Zach and Jesse break it all down with what went right and wrong against Washington, including the standout efforts from Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, the debut of Carter Smith, whether this can be a turning point for Luke Fickell and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 3 min
Nov 7, 2025
Chris McIntosh officially giving Luke Fickell another year, Wisconsin vs Washington, Week 11 picks

Luke Fickell is officially back for another season. Zach and Jesse discuss Chris McIntosh's decision, why he made it, what success next year looks like, fan reaction and much more. They also touch on Wisconsin's matchup with Washington and make their Week 11 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

52 min
Nov 4, 2025
Carter Smith time (?), the Billy Edwards situation, OL a bigger issue than QB (?)

Wisconsin is getting ready to face No. 24 Washington and there could be a new face at quarterback. Zach and Jesse discuss whether this is the week Carter Smith sees the field and exactly what fans should expect if he does. They also get into the murky Billy Edwards Jr situation and whether he'll play again, Luke Fickell saying the OL issues have been a bigger achilles heel than QB, and a report showing alcohol sales at Camp Randall Stadium crushing every other stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

55 min
Oct 29, 2025
Major donor Ted Kellner supports Chris McIntosh, our biggest questions, scariest players

It's the Halloween episode of The Camp. Zach and Jesse discuss big donor Ted Kellner coming out in support of AD Chris McIntosh, give their biggest questions about the future of the program, talk about the scariest player in Wisconsin history and close with their Week 10 picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

52 min
Oct 27, 2025
What went right & wrong against Oregon, young guys shine, QB issues persist

Wisconsin lost its sixth straight game but it wasn't all bad against Oregon. Zach and Jesse break it down by telling you what went right and what went wrong against the Ducks. That includes the performances from some young guys and another tough outing for Hunter Simmons. They also answer a ton of listener questions, including the possibility that Carter Smith gets a shot at QB in the final four games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.