Nick Clayton is forcing his way to the top of the edge rotation
After a productive offseason, the sophomore edge rusher is primed for a bigger role this season.
Outside linebacker Nick Clayton joined the Wisconsin football team as a member of the 2025 class. The Badgers were somehow able to snag the 4-star edge rusher from Florida, deep in SEC country.
As a highly-touted freshman, Clayton played in all 12 games for the Badgers last season, totaling just two tackles. The lack of production isn’t an indictment of his talent or ability. Most of his snaps came on special teams, playing 15 total defensive snaps in 2025.
Because the edge room was deep last season, headlined by Mason Reiger and Darryl Peterson, snaps for Clayton were limited.
“Had it not been for, you know, some of the guys I had last year, I think Nick would have probably gotten a little bit more run last year,” outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell told reporters following the Badgers’ second practice of fall camp on Friday.
Now entering his sophomore year, Clayton looks poised for a true breakout campaign behind a physically transformative offseason.
Subscribe to The Badger Backer!
There will be plenty more fall camp coverage coming over the next few weeks leading into the regular season, and I’d love to have you along for the ride!
If you enjoy The Badger Backer, consider becoming a paid subscriber to unlock every post, game breakdown, and report! Claim 75% off an annual subscription here—just $12.50 for the entire year!
