No Wisconsin players were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but several names to watch in the upcoming rounds include Mason Reiger, an outside linebacker from Wisconsin.
Key points
No Wisconsin natives were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
Mason Reiger is a key name to watch in the upcoming rounds
The remaining rounds are on April 24 and 25, 2026
2026 NFL DraftWisconsinMason Reiger
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is over and, though no Wisconsin natives or University of Wisconsin players were selected, you can expect to hear a few familiar names through the other six rounds over Friday, April 24 and Saturday, 25.
Here are a few Wisconsin-connected names to watch for:
Mason Reiger, outside linebacker, Wisconsin
Miami (Ohio) quarterback Dequan Finn (1) is sacked by Wisconsin defensive lineman Brandon Lane (95) and linebacker Mason Reiger (22) during the second quarter of their game Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Miami (Ohio) quarterback Dequan Finn (1) is sacked by Wisconsin defensive lineman Brandon Lane (95) and linebacker Mason Reiger (22) during the second quarter of their game Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
There's one seemingly surefire UW player who will be taken at some point in the draft, and it's the Illinois native Reiger, who finished second on the team in sacks (five) last year and had a career-high in total tackles.
The 6-foot-4, 251-pounder spent the bulk of his college career at Louisville.
Skyler Bell, wide receiver, UConn
Q&A
Which Wisconsin players are expected to be drafted in 2026?
Mason Reiger, an outside linebacker from Wisconsin, is one of the key names to watch for in the remaining rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What rounds are left in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The remaining rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft will take place on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25.
Why were no Wisconsin players selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite strong performances, no players from Wisconsin or the University of Wisconsin were chosen in the first round of the draft.
Who is Mason Reiger and what position does he play?
Mason Reiger is an outside linebacker from Wisconsin who is expected to be a notable prospect in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Nov 15, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) runs the ball against the Air Force Falcons in the second half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) runs the ball against the Air Force Falcons in the second half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Bell became a first-team All-American last season at UConn, where he was routinely targeted and racked up 1,278 receiving yards (second in the nation) and a school-record 101 receptions and 13 touchdown receptions.
Bell played three seasons at Wisconsin, from 2021 through 2023.
Billy Schrauth, guard, Notre Dame
Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth participates in a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in South Bend.
Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth participates in a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in South Bend.
A two-year starter who can play both guard positions, Schrauth missed the second half of last season with an injury but still could hear his name called on Day 2.
The Campbellsport native spent his high school days at St. Mary's Springs in Fond du Lac.
Riley Nowakowski, tight end, Indiana
Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) grabs the helmet of Indiana Hoosiers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) grabs the helmet of Indiana Hoosiers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
After five years at Wisconsin, the Marquette University High School alumnus won a national championship at Indiana and earned third-team All-Big Ten, starting 16 games and finishing with 32 catches, 387 yards and two touchdowns (plus two more rushing).
Vinny Anthony, wide receiver, Wisconsin
His 31 catches led the Badgers last year, and he showed his ability as a kick returner, racking up 27.9 yards per return. He started 10 games, one year after starting 12 and leading the team in receiving yards.
Lance Mason, tight end, Wisconsin
After three years at Missouri State, Mason became a second-team All-Big Ten performer last season with 398 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Texas native played in all 12 games for the Badgers.
Koziol initially transferred to Wisconsin from Ball State and spent last spring with the UW program but then pivoted to Houston, where the Illinois native became a first-team All-Big 12 pick and led the FBS in tight-end receptions with 74.
After three years with Wisconsin playing on the same team as brother Hayden, the offensive tackle transferred to Penn State, where he played in all 16 games in 2024 and started 12 as right tackle in 2025.
He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten last season.
Max Bredeson, fullback, Michigan
A national champion during his days at Michigan, the Arrowhead High School alumnus is part of a Michigan family legacy, with older brother Ben playing for the Wolverines on his way to a long NFL career and brother Jack playing baseball for Michigan.
Max was third-team All-Big Ten, playing in 11 games after playing in all 13 in 2024. He missed the last two games of the 2025 season with a foot injury.
