Report: A starting linebacker will return to the Badgers next season

The beginning of the offseason for the Wisconsin football program has seen several seniors move on from football or declare for the…

The beginning of the offseason for the Wisconsin football program has seen several seniors move on from football or declare for the NFL Draft.

That’s what this year in college football brings, as the NCAA granting players an extra year of eligibility gives each team’s seniors a complicated and challenging decision to make of whether to return for another season or move on.

Notable Badgers to announce their plans to return for another year include wide receiver Kendric Pryor, wide receiver Jack Dunn, safety Collin Wilder and safety Scott Nelson.

Related: Wisconsin football seniors 2021 roster decision tracker

Another name joined that list yesterday, as according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus outside linebacker Noah Burks will return to Madison for a final season.

Burks has played 24 games in his college career including 18 starts his junior and senior seasons. He now enters his final year with 60 tackles, 8 tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

Related: Wisconsin football’s possible transfer portal targets this offseason

During a year where Jim Leonhard and his defense is seeing a lot of turnover up front, the return of Burks is huge news for the Badger defense.

[listicle id=27104]