Wisconsin wide receiver explodes for career-best performance in win over Purdue

Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna posted his career-best output vs. the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.

Kekahuna, who had recorded four receptions for 42 yards through his first four appearances of the 2024 campaign, shined with six receptions for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 52-6 victory at Camp Randall Stadium.

His most impressive sequence arrived with roughly 12 minutes to spare in the third quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke found the speedster for a 13-yard catch in the middle of the field. Kekahuna turned the snag into a 69-yard touchdown and extended Wisconsin’s lead to 28-6.

Kekahuna paced all Badger pass-catchers in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns on the day. Part of his contribution was a product of Purdue’s weak secondary and an early injury to star wide receiver Will Pauling. But Kekahuna’s ability to create yards in open space should be utilized for the remainder of the season.

The Honolulu, Hawaii, native first flashed his offensive brilliance in Wisconsin’s final contest of 2023. Kekahuna recorded four catches for 64 yards when the Badgers squared off against LSU on Jan. 1, 2024, in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He is now showing further signs of growth in 2024.

Kekahuna and Wisconsin will continue its season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 12.