Wisconsin football sees zero players selected in 2026 NFL draft

For the first time since 1978, the Wisconsin Badgers failed to have a player selected in the NFL draft.

Despite a 4-8 finish to the 2025 season, UW fielded several potential NFL bodies ahead of the late April window. But after three days and 257 picks, 32 NFL franchises elected not to use a pick on a Badger alumnus.

Instead, 11 former Badgers have signed with teams across the league as undrafted free agents. Those include tight end Lance Mason (Seahawks), wide receiver Vinny Anthony (Falcons), edge Mason Reiger (Dolphins), safety Austin Brown (Colts), offensive lineman Riley Mahlman (Falcons), defensive lineman Ben Barten (Giants), corner Nyzier Fourqurean (Rams), outside linebacker Darryl Peterson (Rams), full back Jackson Acker (Bills), defensive lineman Jay'Viar Suggs (Saints) and defensive lineman Parker Peterson (Panthers).

Dating back to 2008, the Badgers have seen at least two of their players hear their name called over the three-day draft period. The last time UW fielded just one drafee was 2007, when future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas went No. 3 to the Browns.

Now, that trend is officially erased.

Luke Fickell's program joined West Virginia, North Carolina, UCLA, Colorado, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, Purdue and Virginia Tech as the only Power 4 programs without an NFL draftee this weekend.

The trend could be considering troubling for UW given last year's draft results. Both offensive lineman Jack Nelson (Falcons) and safety Hunter Wohler (Colts) heard their names called in the seventh round. Meanwhile, Badger transfers Riley Nowakowski (Steelers) Skyler Bell (Bills) and Tanner Koziol (Jaguars) were selected in later rounds.

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