Shamar Rigby’s return to team drills has thrown another wrinkle into an already crowded Wisconsin wide receiver race.
For the first eight fall camp practices, the picture was beginning to settle. Eugene Hilton Jr. appeared to be separating himself as the top option, with Chris Brooks Jr. or Jaylon Domingeaux looking like the next man up and Tyrell Henry handling work out of the slot. Then practice nine arrived, and Rigby was back in the mix after being held out in the spring with an injury.
The junior transfer from Oklahoma State wasted no time making an impression. He showed the kind of downfield juice that can change a depth chart fast, flashing his ability to get behind defenders, win contested throws and haul in 50-50 balls. He also worked at times with Colton Joseph and the first-team offense, which only adds to the possibility that he could push his way into a starting role.
Rigby’s presence matters because this isn’t some unknown newcomer trying to earn a look. He has already built a track record of carving out roles wherever he’s gone.
At Oklahoma State last season, he caught 25 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown, playing in all 12 games and starting nine times at wide receiver. Before that, at Purdue as a freshman, he made his way into six starts and finished with 11 catches for 113 yards.
At 6-foot-4, Rigby brings size that shows up immediately on the field. He can win contested catches and use his frame to shield defenders, giving Wisconsin another receiver who can create problems in tight coverage. That was part of the appeal in the spring too, when he spent most of his time with the No. 2 or 3 offense but still had opportunities with the No. 1 group.
The challenge now is sorting out where he fits in a room that already has several players making noise. Hilton Jr. has emerged.
Brooks Jr. looks like a different player this season. Malachi Coleman has had moments.
Domingeaux remains firmly in the conversation, and his skill set may overlap most with Rigby’s.
That’s exactly the kind of competition Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes seems comfortable managing. He likes mixing and matching based on matchups and has shown a willingness to use receiver packages that fit specific plays and personnel. With Rigby back in full team work, that flexibility only grows.
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