Wisconsin Safety Austin Brown Accepts American Bowl Invite, Eyes NFL Opportunity
Austin Brown’s next chapter is officially underway.
The Wisconsin Badgers’ starting safety has accepted an invitation to the inaugural American Bowl this January, a post-season all-star showcase designed to give draft hopefuls a shot to prove themselves in front of professional scouts. For Brown, it’s a crucial step as he transitions from a steady collegiate career in Madison to chasing his NFL dream.
A former four-star recruit from the 2021 class, Brown arrived at Wisconsin with high expectations-and over the last few seasons, he became a key piece of the Badgers’ defensive identity. Ranked just behind offensive lineman Joe Brunner in that recruiting class, Brown quickly carved out a role in the secondary and never looked back. His departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Wisconsin defense heading into next season.
Brown wraps up his college career with 129 total tackles, eight pass breakups, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His most complete season came in 2024, when he posted 51 tackles, three pass defenses, one sack, and a forced fumble. That kind of production speaks to his ability to impact the game in multiple phases-whether it’s stepping up in run support or making plays in coverage.
That said, 2025 wasn’t without its challenges. Brown finished the year with the lowest coverage grade among Wisconsin’s secondary, a reminder that even experienced players can hit bumps in the road. He still managed 40 tackles and three pass breakups over 11 games, continuing to contribute despite the ups and downs.
Now, the American Bowl presents a fresh opportunity.
This isn’t just another postseason game-it’s a showcase with purpose. Organized by Zero Mils and Soldiers to Sidelines, the American Bowl is unique in that players will be coached by former active-duty military service members.
The teams and invites were created by veterans involved in the “Soldier Ops” program, which helps service members transition into coaching and scouting roles in football. It’s a game built around opportunity-both for the players and for the coaches on the sidelines.
For Brown, it’s a chance to reset the narrative.
He’s not currently listed on most major draft boards, and at this stage, he’s flying under the radar as a prospect. But that’s exactly what all-star bowls are for-leveling the playing field, literally.
These games allow players to compete head-to-head with other top talent, often in front of a full contingent of NFL, CFL, and UFL scouts. It’s one of the few pre-draft settings where scouts can not only watch live reps but also conduct interviews and start building their evaluations.
And for a player like Brown-who has the physical tools, the experience, and a high football IQ-this is the kind of setting that could help him turn heads. He’ll get to showcase his instincts, versatility, and leadership in a more focused environment, without the distractions of a full college season.
Even if Brown doesn’t hear his name called in April, these all-star events can open doors. They provide feedback, networking, and visibility-critical ingredients for any player trying to make the leap to the next level.
So while his time in Madison is coming to a close, Austin Brown’s football journey is far from over. The American Bowl is his next stop-and potentially, the launchpad for what comes next.