Wisconsin got a more encouraging read on Malachi Coleman’s status heading into Penn State, and that matters a lot for a Badgers offense still trying to sort out its pieces.
Coleman is on the initial availability report as “Questionable,” which is a far better sign than the “OUT” label many expected him to carry into conference play. He missed last week’s game against Eastern Michigan, but the latest report at least leaves the door open for him to return against Penn State.
That same questionable designation also applied to Abu Sama III, who told reporters he’s “100% going to play.” Emerson Mandell was listed the same way despite having no new injury and being available last week against Eastern Michigan. That context makes Coleman’s status feel more promising than it might at first glance.
There was no injury report last week because the game was non-conference, so it was difficult to know exactly how close Coleman was to playing. Badgers beat writer Colten Bartholomew reported that until Saturday, the “door wasn't officially closed.” In other words, he may have been closer to available than the public knew.
The injury also appears to have been a concussion, and if he’s no longer showing concussion symptoms, he should be cleared to return.
Coleman has effectively missed two games since his breakout performance against Notre Dame. He was hurt early in the Western Illinois game and never returned. That Notre Dame showing is the one that really put him on the map, and it’s still the game fans point to when talking about what he can bring to this offense.
Against the Irish, Coleman caught four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. His route running drew plenty of attention after that, too, even going viral in some corners.
Malachi Coleman is doing this from the Slot at 6-5 pic.twitter.com/63nl57k4Nc
- Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 7, 2026
If Wisconsin can get him back for Penn State, it adds another layer to a receiver group that’s already starting to stretch defenses. Coleman has shown clear chemistry with quarterback Colton Joseph, and the Badgers could use that kind of playmaking if they’re going to threaten an upset.
Even with limited action, Coleman is already third on the team in receiving yards. Tyrell Henry is well out front after his record-setting performance last week with 293 yards, followed by Chris Brooks Jr. at 168. Coleman sits next at 76.
That’s a reminder of how quickly he can make his presence felt. It also forces Penn State to account for another dangerous target in a passing game that’s getting harder to sort out.
Eugene Hilton Jr. has already flashed, and Shamar Rigby hasn’t really had his full chance yet. Add Coleman back into the mix, and Wisconsin’s wide receiver room suddenly looks like a problem for any secondary.
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Wisconsins Penn State Chances Suddenly Come Down To One Big Concern
The first Big Ten availability report for Wisconsins matchup with Penn State offered an immediate look at how much depth both teams may have to lean on when they meet. The Badgers listed four players as out, five as questionable and four as probable, while Penn States report also came with notable absences and a cluster of uncertain names as the week moves on.
For Wisconsin, the bigger issue is not just who is already ruled out, but how many key decisions are still hanging over the game. Penn States side adds to the intrigue with star receiver Koby Howard among the players unavailable, and six more Nittany Lions listed as questionable. In a game where both staffs are already sorting through injuries, the final availability report could end up shaping the matchup as much as anything on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin's Secondary Suddenly Has A Depth Problem Fans Didn't Want
Wisconsins secondary took another hit in Week 2 when cornerback Cai Bates went down with a torn ACL, ending his season before it really got started. The Florida State transfer had settled in as the No. 2 boundary cornerback, giving the Badgers a useful blend of experience and depth in a spot where every snap matters. Bates confirmed the injury on Instagram, and for a defense that has leaned on its back end to steady things, losing a player in that role is a tough break.
Donovan Dunmore now appears to be the next man up, with the true freshman expected to fill the opening on the boundary. For Wisconsin, the move is about more than simply plugging a lineup hole because the Badgers had been counting on Bates to provide reliable snaps in a secondary that could not afford to get thin. How quickly Dunmore can handle that jump is now one of the more important subplots on the defensive side. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin Heads To Penn State With A Secondary Problem It Can't Ignore
As Wisconsin turns to Week 4 at Penn State, the conversation is already drifting toward availability as much as matchup. The Badgers are trying to navigate a secondary that took another blow with Florida State transfer cornerback Bates suffering a torn ACL and being expected to miss the season, a development that only sharpens the pressure on a defense that has to hold up on the road in a difficult environment.
The injury picture is still far from settled around Madison, with Mason Posa, Eugene Hilton Jr., Malachi Coleman, Abu Sama and Bryan Jackson all carrying different statuses heading into the trip. Penn State, meanwhile, has its own questions to sort through with starting center Brock Riker and tight end Andrew Rappleyea listed as questionable, while the Nittany Lions also will be without wide receiver Koby Howard for an extended stretch after his injury announcement. [Read more 🡒]