The Wisconsin Badgers might not have been lighting up the college football world in recent seasons, but their NFL alumni are making plenty of noise where it counts - on Sundays. Four former Badgers have earned Pro Bowl nods this year, a testament to the program's ability to develop elite talent even when the wins haven't been piling up in Madison.
T.J. Watt - Still a Force, Even Through Adversity
Let’s start with the headliner: T.J. Watt.
The Steelers’ star edge rusher has long been one of the most disruptive defenders in the game, and while this season hasn’t been his most prolific in terms of sacks, his impact is still undeniable. Watt has racked up 53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and three forced fumbles in 13 games - all while battling through a season that’s been anything but smooth.
He’s missed the last two games after suffering a partially collapsed lung, an injury that required surgery. Yet even with that setback, he’s sitting at seven sacks on the year - which, for most players, would be a career highlight.
For Watt, it’s a down year. That tells you just how high the bar is for one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers.
Jonathan Taylor - Carrying the Load in Indy
Over in Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor is reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best backs in football. The Colts’ offense has had its ups and downs, especially with instability at quarterback, but Taylor has been the steady engine that’s kept them in the playoff conversation.
He leads the league in carries (288) and rushing touchdowns (17), and he’s second in rushing yards with 1,489. Oh, and he’s doing it while averaging 5.2 yards per carry - an elite number that speaks to both his vision and burst. Taylor’s blend of power, patience, and home-run ability has made him the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense, and his Pro Bowl selection is more than deserved.
Zack Baun - Quietly Dominant in Philly
Zack Baun may not be the flashiest name in the Pro Bowl mix, but he’s been putting together a rock-solid season for the Eagles. This marks his second straight Pro Bowl nod, and it’s easy to see why. Baun has tallied 117 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks across 15 games - numbers that reflect a linebacker who’s constantly around the ball and making plays.
Whether he’s filling gaps in the run game or dropping into coverage, Baun has become a key piece of a Philly defense that prides itself on physicality and versatility. He’s doing the dirty work, and he’s getting recognized for it.
Chimere Dike - Rookie Return Ace Making Waves
Then there’s Chimere Dike, the rookie wide receiver and return specialist for the Tennessee Titans, who’s quickly becoming a name to watch. While his role in the offense is still developing, he’s already made a huge impact on special teams - and that’s earned him a Pro Bowl spot.
Dike leads the NFL in punt return average (18.2 yards per return) and has taken two punts to the house. He’s also leading the league in both kickoff returns and kickoff return yards, averaging 25.6 yards per return.
For a rookie, that’s rare air. He’s giving Tennessee field position advantages every week, and his explosiveness has turned him into one of the most dangerous return men in the league.
So while the Badgers might be in a bit of a rebuilding phase on Saturdays, their NFL alumni are thriving on Sundays. From Watt’s relentless edge play to Taylor’s bruising runs, Baun’s all-around consistency, and Dike’s electric return game, Wisconsin’s football factory is still producing top-tier talent - and the Pro Bowl is proof.