Tag: Linebackers

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.

Former Wisconsin linebacker discusses breakout season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker discusses breakout season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Zack Baun shared some insight on his breakout season with NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday.

After registering a game-best 15 tackles in the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Washington Commanders on Nov. 14, Baun was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for Week 10.

While it was just one performance, the game served as a microcosm for his dominant 2024 season with the Eagles.

After playing four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2020-2023, Baun has assumed off-the-ball linebacker duties in Philadelphia. That change has led to Baun finding dominant form.

Through 10 games, Baun has recorded 102 total tackles, three forced fumbles and three sacks for Vic Fangio’s defensive unit. The West Bend, Wisconsin native spoke on how he’s found success in the new role.

“I was a receiver at West Bend East, then I was a quarterback at Brown Deer and an outside linebacker at Wisconsin,” Baun said. “It’s been the transitions all throughout that have helped me make this transition off the ball. The transition is nothing new for me. I’m just a football player. I love football, and I love the game. If I’m out there, I’m trying to be the best and do the best.”

At this trajectory, Baun will be an All-Pro at the linebacker position. He ranks fifth in the NFL in total tackles and is unquestionably the most impactful player on the Eagles’ defense.

At 8-2, the Eagles lead the NFC East and don’t appear to be slowing down. They will face a hungry Los Angeles Rams team on Nov. 24 on Sunday Night Football.

Badgers class of 2025 LB commit named Wisconsin’s top senior linebacker

Badgers class of 2025 LB commit named Wisconsin’s top senior linebacker

Wisconsin class of 2025 linebacker commit Cooper Catalano was named the 2024 recipient of the John Anderson Award on Wednesday.

The honor annually recognizes the most outstanding senior linebacker in Wisconsin. Catalano, who committed to UW’s program nearly one year ago, was the obvious choice for the honor.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound game-wrecker registered 178 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, three forced fumbles and three interceptions for Germantown High School this season. On top of that, he became Wisconsin’s all-time career tackles leader in late September after he recorded tackle No. 463 with the program.

Since that point, he’s added over 100 more tackles to his total.

247Sports considers Catalano the No. 894 overall recruit, No. 92 linebacker and No. 7 recruit from the state of Wisconsin for the class of 2025. He earned offers from the likes of Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, and Michigan State before ultimately deciding to join the Badgers.

Outside Catalano, two other class of 2025 linebackers have committed to Wisconsin — four-star Mason Posa and three-star Samuel Lateju.

The award is named after John Anderson, a former Waukesha South star in the 1970s who became the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leader in tackles before his retirement in 1989.

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun delivered another signature performance for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

After being named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, Baun captained the Eagles defense to its sixth straight win in a 26-18 victory over the division rival Washington Commanders.

Baun recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection in the triumph. He also denied Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels from moving the chains on a key fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter.

Down 12-10 at the Eagles’ 26-yard line, Washington elected to go for it on the short fourth-down sequence with hopes of reaching the end zone and shaving time off the clock. Daniels fielded the snap and scrambled to the right before Baun fended off an offensive lineman and executed the tackle.

Here’s the full play:

On the season, Baun has now recorded 102 total tackles, an NFL-best 64 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception.

The season for Baun is nothing short of incredible. In four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun notched just 88 total tackles. In just one season, he has suddenly turned into one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL.

Baun will be back in action on Nov. 24 when the Eagles face off against the Los Angeles Rams.

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebackers Zack Baun and Leo Chenal were named NFL Players of the Week on Thursday.

Baun earned the ‘NFC Defensive Player of the Week’ designation for his contributions in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 10.

In that contest, the UW alumnus recorded eight tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss. In nine games, Baun ranks No. 11 in the NFL in total tackles with 87. He has also notched two sacks and one interception as the Eagles’ most dominant linebacker this season.

ProFootballFocus has also awarded Baun with the highest grade of any linebacker across the NFL from Weeks 8-10.

Baun joined Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray and Detroit Lions’ kicker Jake Bates on the NFC ‘Players of the Week’ batch of studs from Week 10.

Chenal, meanwhile, was almost a no-brainer for ‘AFC Special Teams Player of the Week’ after what he did against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

He joined Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills’ cornerback Taron Johnson in the AFC ‘Players of the Week’ cohort for this week.

Chenal, who played at UW from 2019-2021, clinched the Kansas City Chiefs’ 15th straight win with a blocked field goal as time expired at Arrowhead Stadium.

The sequence occurred when, with one second remaining, Broncos’ kicker Will Lutz squared up for a 35-yard field goal attempt and Chenal leaped through Denver’s offensive line to deny the attempt and secure the 16-14 win.

Through eight games this season, he has posted 33 total tackles, 22 solo tackles and three pass deflections.