Every Wisconsin Football Player Who Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft: Full List & Analysis
The 2025 college football season has officially wrapped up for the Wisconsin Badgers, and the focus has now shifted from Camp Randall to the professional ranks. As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, PA, looms on the horizon (April 23-25), a massive wave of talent has decided to take the leap. In total, 21 Wisconsin Badgers football players declared for the 2026 NFL draft, a significant number that signals both the depth of the current roster and the ambition of these young men to chase their professional dreams.
While the sheer volume of declarations is impressive, the reality of the draft is a harsh numbers game. Most mock drafts currently project that only a select few of these Badgers will hear their name called during the three-day event in Pittsburgh. However, as any scout will tell you, the draft is just the beginning. For the other 16 or more players, the journey from being a Badger to an NFL hopeful continues through undrafted free agency, rookie minicamps, and training camp battles. Here is the complete list of every Wisconsin player who declared, along with expert analysis on their chances and what lies ahead.
The Full Roster of 2026 Wisconsin NFL Draft Declarations
Before we dive into the analysis, here is the complete list of the 21 Badgers who have officially submitted their names for the 2026 NFL Draft. This group represents a cross-section of the program, from star power to gritty role players who believe they can stick at the next level.
- Quarterback: Cole LaCrue, Braedyn Locke
- Running Back: Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli
- Wide Receiver: Will Pauling, Vinny Anthony II, Bryson Green, CJ Williams
- Offensive Line: Jack Nelson, Riley Mahlman, Joe Huber, Jake Renfro, Tanor Bortolini
- Defensive Line: James Thompson Jr., Isaiah Mullens, Curt Neal
- Linebacker: Jake Chaney, Darryl Peterson, Kaden Johnson
- Defensive Back: Ricardo Hallman, Jason Maitre
- Special Teams: Gavin Lahm (Punter)
This list includes a mix of multi-year starters, transfer portal additions, and developmental players. It’s a testament to the program’s ability to produce NFL-caliber athletes, even if the immediate draft ceiling for many is lower than in previous years.
Top Prospects: Who Has the Best Shot at Being Drafted?
When we talk about the 2026 NFL draft and the Badgers, the conversation starts with a handful of names. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where more than five Badgers are drafted this year, but that doesn’t mean the quality isn’t there. Here are the players most likely to hear their names called in Pittsburgh.
1. Ricardo Hallman (Cornerback)
Hallman is the headliner. After a stellar 2024 season where he led the nation in interceptions, he returned for another year to refine his game. While his 2025 production didn’t quite match his breakout year, his ball skills and instincts are elite for a cornerback. He projects as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick (Rounds 3-4). His ability to create turnovers is a trait NFL teams covet, and he has the potential to be a starting nickel or boundary corner at the next level.
2. Jack Nelson (Offensive Tackle)
Nelson is a classic Wisconsin offensive lineman—big, strong, and technically sound. He started for three seasons at left tackle and has the length and footwork to stick in the NFL. He is likely a Day 3 selection (Rounds 5-7), but his versatility to play guard or tackle makes him valuable. Teams like the Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears, who run zone-blocking schemes, will have him high on their board.
3. James Thompson Jr. (Defensive Line)
Thompson is a powerful, high-motor defensive tackle who can disrupt the run game. He doesn’t have elite pass-rush numbers, but he commands double teams and has the strength to hold the point of attack. He is a classic “lunch-pail” player that defensive coordinators love. Expect him to be a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent who sticks on a practice squad.
4. Jake Chaney (Linebacker)
Chaney is the heart of the Wisconsin defense. He is undersized by NFL standards (listed around 5’11”), but his instincts, tackling ability, and leadership are undeniable. He is a throwback linebacker who lives in the backfield against the run. His draft stock is heavily dependent on his combine measurements and 40-yard dash. If he runs well, he could be a Day 3 steal. If not, he will be a highly sought-after undrafted free agent.
5. Riley Mahlman (Offensive Tackle)
Mahlman is a massive human being (6’8″, 320+ lbs) with raw power. He started at right tackle and has the physical tools to develop into a swing tackle in the NFL. His consistency is a question mark, but you cannot teach size. He is a project pick for a team willing to invest in his development, likely in the seventh round or as a priority free agent.
Analysis: The Undrafted Free Agent Goldmine
For the remaining 16 players on this list, the path to the NFL is different but equally viable. The 2026 NFL draft is a brutal numbers game with only 257 picks. However, history shows that some of the best Badgers—like J.J. Watt’s early career teammate or current NFL starters—went undrafted. Here is the breakdown of players who could turn heads in rookie camps.
Skill Positions with Upside: Wide receivers Will Pauling and Vinny Anthony II have the speed and route-running ability to earn a look. Pauling is a shifty slot receiver who can create yards after the catch, while Anthony is a deep threat who can stretch the field. Both will need to dominate on special teams to make a 53-man roster. Running back Tawee Walker is a physical, one-cut runner who fits a power scheme. He will be a camp body who fights for a spot on a team looking for short-yardage depth.
Offensive Line Depth: The Badgers are sending a full offensive line room to the draft. Joe Huber and Jake Renfro are versatile interior linemen who can play center or guard. Teams always need depth on the offensive line, and these two have the technique and experience to stick on a practice squad. Tanor Bortolini is another athletic interior player who could surprise in a zone-blocking scheme.
Defensive Role Players: Isaiah Mullens and Curt Neal are rotational defensive linemen who can eat blocks. Linebackers Darryl Peterson and Kaden Johnson are special teams aces who will get hard looks because of their speed and tackling on coverage units. Defensive back Jason Maitre is a savvy veteran who can play safety or nickel, making him a valuable depth piece for a team that values experience.
And let’s not forget Gavin Lahm, the punter. Punters are rarely drafted, but Lahm has a powerful leg and directional ability. He will almost certainly get a camp invite and could win a job if he performs well in the preseason.
Why 21 Declarations Matters for Wisconsin’s Future
While the immediate focus is on the draft, this massive exodus of 21 players has huge implications for the 2026 Wisconsin Badgers. Head coach Luke Fickell and his staff now have a clear mandate to reload. The sheer volume of declarations—especially on the offensive line and at wide receiver—means the portal and high school recruiting will be critical.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. The fact that 21 players believe they are ready for the NFL is a recruiting pitch in itself. It says to high school athletes: “Come to Wisconsin, develop, and you will have a chance to chase your dream.” The program is losing a lot of experience, but it also opens the door for younger players like running back Darrion Dupree or defensive back Xavier Lucas to step into bigger roles.
From a draft perspective, the Badgers are unlikely to have a first-round pick in 2026. But they are likely to have a strong presence on Day 3 and in the undrafted free agent market. This is a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent that fits a specific NFL mold: tough, smart, and fundamentally sound.
Final Verdict: From Badgers to NFL Hopefuls
As these 21 players trade in their cardinal and white for the colors of an NFL franchise, the message from Wisconsin is clear: the university wishes each of these players luck as they go from being Badgers to NFL hopefuls. Whether they are drafted in the first round or sign as a free agent the day after the draft, their journey is just beginning.
For fans, this draft class is a fascinating mix of high-floor prospects and high-upside projects. Ricardo Hallman could be a steal. Jack Nelson could start for a decade. And a player like Braedyn Locke or Cole LaCrue could find a home as a camp arm and develop into a backup. The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will be a celebration of their hard work, but the real story will be written in the months that follow, as these 21 Badgers fight for a spot on an NFL roster.
Bottom line: Don’t sleep on Wisconsin’s 2026 draft class. The numbers may be small on draft day, but the heart and talent are massive. These are Badgers. They are built for the long haul.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
