Wisconsin’s electric freshman playmaker is reportedly Badgers’ best punt returner

Wisconsin dynamic redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna told reporters on Friday that he is currently the The Badgers’ No. 1 punt returner entering the 2024 season.

Kekahuna also projects to play a significant role in Wisconsin’s passing game. He’s technically the backup to star receiver Will Pauling, but will definitely still see a fair amount of snaps.

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The redshirt freshman appeared in one game in 2023 — Wisconsin’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU. He showed his potential in the contest, catching four passes for 64 receiving yards.

Kekahuna joined the program as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023, ranked as the class’ No. 487 player and No. 67 wide receiver. He was originally committed to the class while Paul Chryst was still the head coach, was decommitted later in the cycle and then committed again following the arrival of Luke Fickell.

Chimere Dike and Vinny Anthony split punt return duties for the Badgers in 2023. Dike was reassigned to Florida this offseason while Anthony remains in the room for his junior season. The two combine to average 9.19 yards per punt — a mark Wisconsin hopes Kekahuna can easily surpass.

Wisconsin’s current philosophy revolves around putting the football in the hands of its best playmakers in space. While punt returns are not planned touches, they fit the vague criteria explained. Kekahuna is one of the most exciting point guards entering the 2024 season and must find ways to impact games one way or another.

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This story originally appeared on Badgers Wire