Tag: Linebackers

Former Wisconsin linebacker joins elite company in win over Seahawks

Former Wisconsin linebacker joins elite company in win over Seahawks

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel joined elite company in Minnesota’s 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Van Ginkel tallied five total tackles and two sacks in the three-point win. The performance brought his season-long totals to 69 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and five pass deflections.

With those numbers, the former Badger star became the second player since 1982 to record at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season. The other — Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor with the Miami Dolphins in 2006.

Van Ginkel’s first sack arrived on 3rd-and-11 with Seattle attempting to morph a 20-17 deficit into a late edge. After Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith dropped back to pass, the former Badger took little time to get to the pass-thrower to force a six-yard loss.

The second sack quickly followed. On a first-down play at Minnesota’s 43-yard line, Smith scrambled to the right hash before being brought down by Van Ginkel for another six-yard loss. Seattle missed a field goal attempt on that possession before later coughing up an interception in the final sequence.

The former Badger received a substantial payday from the Vikings this offseason. He’s lived up to the contract and then some, and is now joining rare company.

Wisconsin transfer outside linebacker commits to Big Ten rival

Wisconsin transfer outside linebacker commits to Big Ten rival

Former Wisconsin outside linebacker Leon Lowery signed with Illinois on Tuesday.

Lowery entered the transfer portal on Dec. 1 after one year at Wisconsin. He commits to a Fighting Illini program that is fresh off a 9-3 2024 season. It is preparing to face No. 20 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Florida.

Prior to his stint with UW, Lowery played four seasons at Syracuse from 2020-23. He appeared in 29 games in that time and logged 77 total tackles, 20 1/2 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.

The veteran pass-rusher did not translate that level of production to Wisconsin. During his lone season with the Badgers, he recorded 29 total tackles (18 solo), one tackle for loss and one sack.

Wisconsin’s outside linebacker room mostly struggled to pressure the quarterback in 2024. Lowery, alongside top outside linebackers Darryl Peterson, John Pius, Aaron Witt and Sebastian Cheeks, combined for 6 1/2 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. That lack of production was one reason the Wisconsin defense was unable to return to its pre-2023 form.

Lowery was one of Wisconsin’s first players to enter the portal when it opened in early December. He is set to play his final season of eligibility for a team that Wisconsin will face in 2025. The Fighting Illini visit the Badgers on Nov. 22, 2025, at Camp Randall. 

Former Wisconsin standout linebacker helps Bengals clinch ‘Monday Night Football’ win

Former Wisconsin standout linebacker helps Bengals clinch ‘Monday Night Football’ win

Former Wisconsin standout linebacker Maema Njongmeta recorded his first signature NFL highlight in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.

The moment arrived in one of the most miraculous situations of the 2024 NFL season to date. Pinned at its 29-yard line with exactly two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and tied at 20, the Bengals lined up to punt.

As soon as punter Ryan Rehkow fielded the long snap, Cowboys special teamer Nick Vigil squeezed through Cincinnati’s offensive line and blocked the punt. The ball took a few big bounces toward Cowboys territory and glanced off a Dallas player before Njongmeta, who tracked the ball the whole way through, grabbed it at the Bengals’ 43-yard line.

The recovery handed the Bengals the football with a fresh opportunity to win the game. Joe Burrow and the offensive capitalized on a 40-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase, clinching the 27-20 win.

Njongmeta hasn’t seen much action this season, but he certainly made the most of it. He may have missed the block on Vigil on the initial punt, but he didn’t give up.

This same mentality netted the UW alumnus a spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster in late August. In three preseason games, the two-year starter at Wisconsin notched 29 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, two pass deflections and respectable special teams play to elevate to the 53-man.

Since then, Njongmeta has logged eight total tackles and five solo tackles for Zac Taylor’s team in 12 games. Most of his time comes during special teams action.

At Wisconsin, Njongmeta totaled 158 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and three fumble recoveries during his tenure in Madison. His opportunities could grow following the highlight.

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues All-Pro campaign in Eagles’ ninth straight win

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues All-Pro campaign in Eagles’ ninth straight win

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun bolstered his All-Pro campaign in the Eagles’ 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Baun registered 11 tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback hits in the win, captaining the Eagles’ defense alongside fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean.

He also recorded an overall grade of 89.3, the highest mark of any Eagles defender.

As he has almost every week, Baun made several show-stopping plays for Vic Fangio’s defensive unit. His first big-time sequence came with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

On third-and-seven, Baun burst through the right side of Carolina’s offensive line and tracked down a scrambling Young for a solo sack to force a punt and flip in possession.

In 13 starts, Baun has now logged 129 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three pass deflections. If he adds 47 more tackles to his 2024 total, he would double his combined tackle output from his previous four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2020-23.

While quarterback Jalen Hurts, superstar running back Saquon Barkley and dynamic wide receiver A.J. Brown garner most of the media attention on the Eagles, Baun is orchestrating arguably the best season of any linebacker in the NFL this season.

The Eagles sit at 11-2 and rival the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills as the best team in the NFL. Without Baun, the Eagles might not be a part of that conversation.

The team’s next match is slated for Dec. 15 vs. Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs class of 2025’s No. 1 player from New Mexico

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs class of 2025’s No. 1 player from New Mexico

Wisconsin officially signed all 24 committed members of its class of 2025 on Wednesday.

One of the premier members of that group is four-star linebacker Mason Posa.

Posa, who fielded offers from programs such as Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M and USC, committed to the Badgers in June. He is arguably the most valuable defensive asset in UW’s class of 2025 alongside four-star defensive lineman Jaylen Williams, four-star safety Jaimier Scott and four-star linebacker Nicolas Clayton.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker helped guide La Cueva High School to a 12-1 record in 2024, capped off by an appearance in the 6A District 2 State Championship game.

From his freshman to junior campaigns, Posa registered 226 total tackles, 44 tackles for loss and seven interceptions. His background as a two-time New Mexico 5A state champion wrestler also makes him arguably the most versatile linebacker in the state.

247Sports considers Posa the No. 237 overall prospect, No. 25 linebacker and No. 1 player from New Mexico for the class of 2025.

When he arrives in Madison, he could see action early. Senior Jake Chaney and redshirt senior Jaheim Thomas will no longer contribute for UW, and Posa’s adaptability to suit up at multiple spots in UW’s linebacker room make him a commodity.

Wisconsin top-ranked class of 2026 LB target includes Badgers in final list

Wisconsin top-ranked class of 2026 LB target includes Badgers in final list

Wisconsin top class of 2026 target Storm Miller included the Badgers in his list of final schools on Saturday.

The Badgers’ recruiting staff has experienced several minor victories over the past month.

Miller now joins a lengthy list of coveted 2026 targets to include the Badgers in their list of finalists dating back to Oct. 29, a list that also includes four-star interior offensive lineman Leo Delaney, four-star running back Shahn Alston, four-star linebacker Tristan Phillips, four-star and iOL Ben Nichols and three-star interior lineman Bear McWhorter.

Miller, who received his offer from the Badgers back in November 2023, included Wisconsin as a finalist, along with Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and Stanford. As of Dec. 1, Miller has received 24 offers in total, including from Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Florida State, Texas A&M and Penn State.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker is 247Sports’ No. 271 player in the class of 2026, No. 23 LB and No. 13 player from his home state of Ohio. On3, 247Sports and Rivals all consider Miller a four-star recruit.

Like many of his contemporaries, Miller’s commitment is nowhere near final. 247Sports has yet to release a crystal ball prediction, and On3’s recruiting prediction machine does not indicate a clear favorite.

Hometown destination Ohio State holds the highest likelihood to land the junior linebacker. UW’s current class of 2026 still features two commitments — three-star iOL Benjamin Novak and three-star quarterback Jarin Mock.

Former Wisconsin linebacker plays integral role in Eagles big win over Ravens

Former Wisconsin linebacker plays integral role in Eagles big win over Ravens

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun’s breakout season picked up even more steam on Sunday.

In the Philadelphia Eagles’ 24-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Baun registered 13 tackles, 1/2 sack, one tackle for loss, one QB hit and one forced fumble.

As he has been for the bulk of the 2024 campaign, Baun was everywhere against the Ravens. He made his first game-wrecking play in the second quarter to prevent Baltimore from gaining a first down.

On third-and-two with roughly seven minutes to spare in the second frame, quarterback Lamar Jackson pitched a handoff to all-world running back Derrick Henry. Baun, as versatile a linebacker as there is in the NFL, burst through the Ravens’ offensive line and made a solo tackle in the backfield.

The former Badger also pinned the Ravens near the Eagles’ 30-yard line on a third-and-five sack sequence in the third quarter. After sacking Jackson, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed a long field goal attempt.

While he’s unable to line up at wide receiver or running back, Baun’s impact for the Eagles is monumental. He has recorded 118 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception in his first year with Philadelphia.

At this pace, Baun will secure his first Pro Bowl appearance and earn his first All-Pro selection. For someone who recorded 88 total tackles in his four previous seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun’s progression is honestly startling.

The 10-2 Eagles will be back on the gridiron against the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 8.

Former Wisconsin star linebacker helps clinch win in instant classic vs. Bengals

Former Wisconsin star linebacker helps clinch win in instant classic vs. Bengals

Former Wisconsin star linebacker Nick Herbig continued his strong 2024 campaign in the Steelers’ 44-38 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

Herbig, one of 18 Badgers eligible for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, built off his dominant output in the Steelers’ 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 21. His five-tackle, one-sack performance in that game landed him a spot on ProFootballFocus’ Week 12 ‘NFL Team of the Week.’

This week, Herbig finished with two tackles, one sack and a forced fumble against the Bengals’ dynamic offense. The Hawaii native’s strip-sack on Joe Burrow early in the fourth quarter led to a 21-yard fumble recovery from fellow linebacker Payton Wilson.

The sequence turned the Steelers’ 34-24 edge into a 41-24 advantage with just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Herbig’s strip sack and the accompanying return proved to be the game-winning score.

Herbig is now responsible for 17 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles through eight games in 2024. He is emerging as one of the rising stars on a team built on a defensive identity.

The UW alumnus wasn’t the only Badger who recorded a strip-sack on Sunday. All-world outside linebacker T.J. Watt tallied two sacks and one forced fumble on the day to help guide Pittsburgh to its ninth win of the 2024 slate.

If Herbig continues to play at this caliber, he could earn himself a permanent starting spot in a loaded defensive unit.

Former Wisconsin star linebacker on PFF’s ‘Team of the Week’ for NFL Week 12

Former Wisconsin star linebacker on PFF’s ‘Team of the Week’ for NFL Week 12

Former Wisconsin star linebacker Nick Herbig earned a spot on ProFootballFocus’ Week 12 ‘NFL Team of the Week’ on Tuesday.

The Kauai, Hawaii native was accompanied by Miami Dolphins edge Chop Robinson, Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler and Chicago Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams, Packers safety Javon Bullard, Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis were also selected on the defensive end.

In his second game back for Pittsburgh after recovering from a hamstring injury, Herbig dominated in the Steelers’ 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The outside linebacker tallied five tackles, two QB hits and a strip-sack.

That strip-sack arrived with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter during a blizzard at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field. The UW alumnus strip-sacked Browns quarterback Jameis Winston near Cleveland’s 20-yard line to flip possession in favor of Pittsburgh. The play shifted momentum and ultimately resulted in a Steelers touchdown.

Herbig was a 2022 consensus First-Team All-Big Ten member in his final season with the Badgers. He started 11 games that season and led Wisconsin with 11 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.

He and the collection of former Badgers on the Steelers will be back in action next against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Former Wisconsin linebacker records game-changing strip-sack in Steelers loss to Browns

Former Wisconsin linebacker records game-changing strip-sack in Steelers loss to Browns

Former Wisconsin linebacker Nick Herbig made his presence felt in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

Herbig stepped up when it mattered most as a blizzard roared on at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. With just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the UW alumnus strip-sacked Browns quarterback Jameis Winston near Cleveland’s 20-yard line to flip possession in favor of Pittsburgh.

Fellow Wisconsin alumnus Russell Wilson would help the Steelers capitalize on Herbig’s huge play with a 23-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Austin III. In the blink of an eye, Pittsburgh turned an 18-13 deficit in a 19-18 edge.

Here’s the full play:

Winston would ultimately lead the Browns on a nine-play, 45-yard scoring drive capped by a rushing touchdown from Nick Chubb. After that sequence, the score remained 24-19 in favor of Cleveland for the remainder of the contest.

Regardless of the outcome, Herbig played extremely well. The former Badger tallied five tackles, two QB hits and the strip-sack. His season-long numebers are now up to 15 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.