Wisconsin football boasts significant recent success at one defensive position

Wisconsin’s recruiting department offers an enticing message to incoming college prospects at the linebacker position.

In a recent X video, the Badgers highlight their professional success stories at the linebacker position. Eight active UW alumni will star at linebacker for a combined six NFL squads this season.

The list includes T.J. Edwards (Bears), Jack Sanborn (Bears), Maema Njongmeta (Bengals), Leo Chenal (Chiefs), Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), Zack Baun (Eagles), Nick Herbig (Steelers) and T.J. Watt (Steelers).

Similar to what Wisconsin’s program provides its incoming recruits at offensive line and running back, its linebacker legacy is no joke. The pitch is simple: if you need a blueprint of how to reach the NFL at the position, play for the Badgers.

UW’s 2024 linebacker class includes OLB Thomas Heiberger, ILB Landon Gauthier and OLB Anelu Lafaele. All rank No. 3 or No. 4 on UW’s depth chart at the position at this stage. Heiberger was already showing signs of future stardom before a knee injury halted his progress.

Wisconsin’s 2025 LB class includes several high-profile high school products. Four-star Mason Posa, three-star Samuel Lateju, three-star Brenden Anes and three-star Cooper Catalano are all currently committed to the class with time remaining before it is finalized.