The Wisconsin Badgers are set to take the field at Camp Randall Stadium for the first time this fall when they square off against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks on Thursday, Aug. 28. 

With just hours remaining before Luke Fickell’s team ignites its 2025 campaign, the team appears to be healthier than anticipated for the contest.

After sustaining a lower-body injury in early August, Jake Renfro will take the field for Week 1. The graduate student played a sizable role for UW’s line in 2024; a unit that was responsible for just 13 sacks and 47.0 TFLs. His 68.9 PFF run blocking grade also ranked fifth among all centers across the Big Ten.

Considering the Badgers’ loss of starting left tackle Kevin Heywood in April, Renfro’s health for the 2025 campaign is notable. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes also brings a traditional ground-and-pound scheme to Madison, which makes the line’s stability all the more significant ahead of the season opener.

Fickell also noted that tight end Tucker Ashcraft will miss Thursday’s contest due to a left leg injury. In his place, Missouri State transfer Lance Mason will fill the void in his first appearance as a Badger. Ashcraft logged 12 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in 2024, while Mason accounted for 54 catches, 590 receiving yards and six scores.

Outside of those pair of updates, Wisconsin will trot out an offensive unit featuring quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., running back Dilin Jones and wide receivers Chris Brooks Jr., Vinny Anthony II and Trech Kekahuna. Left tackle Davis Heinzen, left guard Joe Brunner, right guard Emerson Mandell and right tackle Riley Mahlman will start alongside Renfro on the offensive line.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers football Miami Ohio Redhawks Injury Updates Week 1