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Where are Wisconsin’s top players projected to go in 2026 NFL Draft?
TL;DR
Several Wisconsin Badgers are projected to be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, including edge rusher Mason Reiger and wide receiver Vinny Anthony. Projections for Reiger vary, with rankings placing him between No. 121 and No. 197.
Key points
- Wisconsin Badgers have several players hoping to be drafted in 2026
- Mason Reiger is a top prospect expected to go on Day 3
- Projections for Reiger vary significantly among analysts
- Other top players include Vinny Anthony, Lance Mason, Austin Brown, and Riley Mahlman
Wisconsin BadgersMason ReigerVinny AnthonyLance Mason
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin defensive lineman Mason Reiger (DL58) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and several Wisconsin Badgers are hoping to hear their name called, with projections varying across the board.
Heading into the draft, the top prospects from Wisconsin this offseason are edge rusher Mason Reiger, wide receiver Vinny Anthony, tight end Lance Mason, safety Austin Brown, and offensive lineman Riley Mahlman.
Reiger is a surefire draft pick and expected to go sometime on Day 3 in the draft. ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranks him as the No. 121 player in the class, while The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has him at No. 197. Here’s what Brugler wrote about him.
“A one-year starter at Wisconsin, Reiger aligned as a wide edge rusher in defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s four-man front,” Brugler said. “While at Louisville, he started out as Yaya Diaby’s backup before injuries took their toll. He didn’t practice for 18 months (December 2023 through June 2025) and was advised to medically retire. But he resuscitated his football career after transferring to Madison, averaging 3.8 pressures per game in 2025 (second most in the Big Ten).
“Reiger doesn’t have much of a resume because of injury setbacks, but his 2025 film showed NFL-quality talent. With his linear twitch, he thrives using weaponized hands and various speed-flash moves to break down blockers. He is currently an immature finisher with too many “almost” sacks on his tape. Against the run, he gives outstanding effort, although he struggles to consistently lock out and control edges.“
In addition, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees him as a fifth-round projection in this class.
Vinny Anthony, on the other hand, is ranked the No. 229 player in the class by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, while Brugler has him at No. 277. Here’s what Brugler wrote about him in The Beast.
Q&A
What are the top Wisconsin players projected for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top Wisconsin players include Mason Reiger, Vinny Anthony, Lance Mason, Austin Brown, and Riley Mahlman.
Where is Mason Reiger projected to be drafted in 2026?
Mason Reiger is expected to be drafted on Day 3, with rankings placing him between No. 121 and No. 197.
Who are the top prospects from Wisconsin for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top prospects are Mason Reiger, Vinny Anthony, Lance Mason, Austin Brown, and Riley Mahlman.
How do different analysts rank Mason Reiger for the 2026 NFL Draft?
ESPN's Jordan Reid ranks Mason Reiger as the No. 121 player, while The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranks him at No. 197.
