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Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano on freshmen pressure, contributing early

Catching up with the freshman linebacker who's already turning heads.
Wisconsin freshman inside linebacker Cooper Catalano, middle, participates in a drill during Badgers’ fall camp practice July 31 at UW-Platteville. Credit: Jake Kocorowski

MADISON, Wis. — The state’s all-time leading tackler is already making an impact on the University of Wisconsin football program.

Freshman linebacker Cooper Catalano shined at Germantown High School, and after enrolling early at Wisconsin in January, already has cracked the two-deep on the Badgers’ depth chart after strong performances during spring and fall camp practices. He also was on the opening kickoff coverage unit to start the 2025 season.

Catalano spoke with Badger Observer on Tuesday to discuss the feeling of playing early already, the 2025 class as a whole, adjustments going from high school to college football, and much more.

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