Wisconsin center Jake Renfro faces ambiguous timeline for return following lower-body injury
Jake Renfro, the starting center for the Wisconsin Badgers, has suffered a lower-body injury during the team's preseason camp in Platteville, Wisconsin[1][2][3]. The injury occurred approximately 70 miles from the Madison campus[4].
Renfro, who joined the Badgers last season after starting for the Cincinnati team that reached the College Football Playoff in 2021[5], played all 12 games for Wisconsin last season and allowed only one sack[6].
The injury has left the team in a state of uncertainty, with Renfro currently listed as week-to-week[1][2][3]. His status for the season opener against Miami (OH) on August 28, 2025, is in question[1][2].
In the meantime, right guard Kerry Kodanko has taken first-team reps, indicating the team is preparing contingency plans for the offensive line if Renfro misses the opener[1][3][4]. The Badgers view Renfro as a crucial part of their offensive line and hope to have him back for early-season games, especially the third game against Alabama[1].
No information has been provided about a potential replacement for Renfro if he is unable to play in the season opener. School officials describe Renfro's injury as week-to-week, and he is expected to potentially be ready for the opener, though his participation remains uncertain due to the short recovery window[1][3].
Renfro was seen walking with a brace by the next practice after the injury, and although initially it looked severe as he was carted off and unable to bear weight, no significant structural damage was found[1][3].
The Badgers are seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 2021 season, which saw them end with a record of 5-7, breaking a 22-year streak of consecutive winning seasons[7]. The team's preseason camp is ongoing in Platteville, Wisconsin[8].
[1] [https://www.jsonline.com/sports/wisconsin/wisconsin-football-jake-renfro-injury-update-badgers-center-week-to-week-b1a9d9c34] [2] [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/wisconsin-football-center-jake-renfro-week-to-week-with-knee-injury-as-badgers-prepare-for-opener-against-miami-ohio/] [3] [https://www.si.com/college/wisconsin/football/news/wisconsin-football-jake-renfro-injury-update-badgers-center-week-to-week-b1a9d9c34] [4] [https://www.espn.com/college-football/story//id/34529923/wisconsin-football-jake-renfro-injury-week-week-badgers-preparing-contingency-plans] [5] [https://www.espn.com/college-football/story//id/34448571/wisconsin-badgers-center-jake-renfro-cincinnati-playoff-team-2021] [6] [https://www.espn.com/college-football/player//id/4977982/jake-renfro] [7] [https://www.espn.com/college-football/story//id/33615938/wisconsin-badgers-disappointing-2021-season-shakes-foundation-program] [8] [https://www.jsonline.com/sports/wisconsin/wisconsin-football-preseason-camp-starts-in-platteville-b1a9d9c34]
American football has become a concern for the Wisconsin Badgers, with starting center Jake Renfro facing an uncertain recovery from a lower-body injury. Renfro's absence could impact the Badgers' performance in NCAA Football, especially in crucial games like the third game against Alabama.
