Wisconsin starting left tackle Jack Nelson announced today he’s forgoing the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to play for the Badgers next season.
The news is massive on many fronts. Nelson is a two-year starter, with 13 games at right guard in 2021 and 12 games so far in 2023 at left tackle. He’ll bring valuable experience back to a Badgers offense line that is set to lose several starters and is still working to adjust to the program’s new offensive system.
This move continues a crazy offseason of movement within a Wisconsin offense that, again, is still adjusting to life under OC Phil Longo. RB Braelon Allen and C Tanor Bortolini are off to the NFL, WRs Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell and OL Trey Wedig transferred out, RB Chez Mellusi and now Nelson are staying and QB Tyler Van Dyke, WR Tyrell Henry and TE Jackson McGohan are incoming portal additions.
Continuity is important for Fickell and Longo entering year two. Nelson’s return gives the line just that, as he also works to improve his stock entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jack Nelson just said he's coming back to the #Badgers in 2024.
Said he's a big believer in Luke Fickell and the future of the program.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) December 27, 2023