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Wisconsin’s defense put together a stifling performance in the Badgers’ upset of No. 16 USC, led by established playmakers up front — and by a sophomore safety who delivered a career night after being pressed into action. The win highlighted both Wisconsin’s depth and a new emerging option in the secondary.
Veterans anchored a dominant front
The Badgers’ front seven set the tone early. Inside linebacker Cooper Catalano finished with a team-high 10 tackles, while fellow linebacker Mason Posa recorded five stops, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. Edge rusher Sebastian Cheeks added five tackles and 2.5 sacks.
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Those three have been the most talked-about names on Wisconsin’s defense and continued to create pressure and disruption throughout the game. Their performance was forceful but largely in line with expectations for Mike Tressel’s unit — even as the Badgers’ overall control of the game surprised many observers.
Cairo Skanes seizes the moment
With starter Marvin Burks Jr. dealing with an upper-body injury, sophomore safety Cairo Skanes moved into a larger role and made an immediate impact.
After USC went three-and-out on its opening drive and threw an interception to nickel Bryce West on its second possession, the Trojans looked to respond on their third series. On a third-and-short play, Wisconsin sent Catalano on a blitz; the pressure hurried quarterback Jayden Maiava into an off-target throw that Skanes intercepted.
Skanes finished the night with four tackles, a pass breakup and the interception, playing a career-high 65 snaps.
Coaching staff’s confidence and Skanes’ development
Head coach Luke Fickell praised Skanes’ versatility and poise. “He’s been able to do a lot of different things for us,” Fickell said. “Two weeks ago, he got thrown in, even this past week, at nickel, where I don’t know if he took any reps during the week at. He’s a guy that the game isn’t too big, the game isn’t too fast. I still think he’s just scratching the surface of what he is and what he’s going to be. He’s a guy that’s very very valuable to us, and his name might not be mentioned or talked about as a starter, but in everything we do, this guy’s a starter for us.”
The praise reflects how Wisconsin has used Skanes since arriving in Madison. He burned his redshirt as a true freshman and logged 80 snaps last season, including 53 in two significant losses to Ohio State and Iowa. Those early looks were not merely mop-up duty; they were signs the staff trusted him in meaningful situations.
Depth that matters
Skanes’ interception was his first major play in the Badgers’ colors, but his length, athleticism and positional flexibility make him a valuable piece of the secondary. If Burks misses further time, Wisconsin appears prepared to increase Skanes’ role and lean on his ability to play multiple spots in the defensive backfield.
