Wisconsin football starting strong safety Preston Zachman appeared on Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Big Ten team on Monday.
The sixth-year Badger accompanied three other UW athletes on Steele’s list: linebacker Christian Alliegro, defensive lineman Parker Peterson and offensive lineman Riley Mahlman. All four players earned spots on Steele’s fourth team in an 18-team Big Ten conference loaded with talent
Specifically, Zachman accompanied Illinois’ safety Matthew Bailey on the fourth team. Ohio State star Caleb Downs and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman were named to the first team, followed by second teamers Koi Perich (Minnesota) and Zakee Wheatley (Penn State) and third team members Kamari Ramsey (USC) and Rod Moore (Michigan).
After appearing in seven games for UW from 2020-22, Zachman has morphed into one of the more consistent defensive pieces for the Badgers. In 2023, he totaled 49 tackles and two interceptions, including a game-sealing interception against Nebraska on Nov. 18.
The following season, the Pennsylvania native was responsible for a career-best 58 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, three tackles for loss and four pass breakups. In his most impressive outing, Zachman notched a team-best 10 tackles and an interception against Rutgers, showcasing his ceiling, strength and impact in the open field.
With the departure of Hunter Wohler, Zachman is now poised to man the strong safety position for Mike Tressel’s defensive unit. Returning star cornerback Ricardo Hallman will also lace up in the defensive backfield, but it will be Zachman’s responsibility to track down deep throws in the open field.
The veteran will look to display his defensive dexterity in the Badgers’ season opener against the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks on Aug. 28 in Madison.
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Publish date : 2025-07-09 11:30:00
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