MADISON, Wis. - When Mason Posa finally got his shot, he didn’t just step into the spotlight-he owned it. The true freshman linebacker, who didn’t crack the starting lineup until late October, made the most of his opportunity and earned himself a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team. Not bad for a guy who only started five games.
Posa’s numbers jump off the page: 61 tackles, 31 of them solo, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. But the stats only tell part of the story.
What really stood out was his instinctive play and relentless motor. Whether he was knifing through the line to blow up a run or dropping into coverage to disrupt passing lanes, Posa looked like a veteran out there-just with fresher legs.
He made his first start against then-No. 6 Oregon, and from that point on, Wisconsin’s defense started to click.
Posa brought a spark, a sense of urgency, and a knack for being around the ball that helped elevate the entire unit down the stretch. It’s rare to see a freshman take over the middle of the field like that, but Posa didn’t just fill a role-he set the tone.
And he wasn’t the only Badger getting postseason love. Wisconsin had six players receive All-Big Ten recognition, a testament to the talent on both sides of the ball.
On defense, linebackers Christian Alliegro, Darryl Peterson, and Mason Reiger, along with cornerback Ricardo Hallman, all earned honorable mention nods. Each brought consistency and playmaking ability to a unit that quietly became one of the more physical groups in the conference.
On special teams, wide receiver Vinny Anthony was recognized for his return skills. His speed and vision made him a threat every time he touched the ball in the return game, flipping field position and giving the Badgers a hidden-yardage advantage that often goes overlooked.
The honors were voted on by Big Ten head coaches and select media members, and while postseason awards don’t define a season, they do speak volumes about individual impact. For Posa, it’s a sign that the future is bright. For Wisconsin, it’s a reminder that even in a transitional year, the foundation is strong-and the defense is in good hands.