Sun Apr 06 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Wisconsin Badgers Redshirt Freshman Heiberger Switches to Inside Linebacker
**MADISON, WI** – Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell announced Tuesday a positional shift for highly touted redshirt freshman Thomas Heiberger, moving him from outside linebacker to inside linebacker. The change, first noted on the team’s updated spring roster, is a strategic move aimed at bolstering depth at the inside linebacker position and leveraging Heiberger’s talent.
Heiberger, a four-star recruit and the top player from South Dakota in the 2024 class, showed promise at outside linebacker before a knee injury sidelined him for much of last season. While he possesses the talent, the outside linebacker position is already deep with returning veterans and incoming transfers, making playing time a challenge.
The inside linebacker position, conversely, has fewer established players beyond starters Christian Alliegro and Tackett Curtis. This move positions Heiberger for potentially quicker playing time and a more significant role in the upcoming season.
Coach Fickell emphasized the team’s offseason focus on increasing size and versatility on defense, a factor contributing to Heiberger’s positional switch. The Badgers added four experienced defensive linemen and three edge rushers, creating opportunities to utilize larger linebackers in various defensive schemes. Heiberger’s size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in this new strategy.
While Heiberger faces competition, his potential to quickly become a key contributor to the inside linebacker corps is significant. His performance throughout the spring and summer will be closely watched.
First Piper 