Wisconsin’s Mason Reiger Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Breakout Season
The Wisconsin Badgers haven’t exactly been lighting up the Big Ten lately, but that hasn’t stopped one of their most impactful defenders from making a major leap. Outside linebacker Mason Reiger officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft - and in doing so, he closed the chapter on a college career that was anything but ordinary.
Reiger’s journey to this point wasn’t linear. After three years at Louisville, he transferred to Wisconsin and delivered his best football yet in Madison. It was a season that not only reignited his career but also put him squarely on the radar of NFL scouts.
In his announcement, Reiger expressed deep gratitude - to his faith, his family, and to the coaches who helped him find his footing again. “When I didn’t know if I would play this game again, Coach Mitchell and Coach Fickell believed in me and gave me an opportunity to continue chasing my dream,” Reiger wrote.
That belief paid off. Reiger became a difference-maker on the Badgers’ defense, flashing the kind of edge presence and motor that teams covet at the next level. His performance this season was more than just a personal comeback - it was a reminder of what happens when talent meets opportunity in the right system.
While Wisconsin as a program is still trying to find its footing under new leadership, Reiger’s emergence was one of the clear bright spots. His ability to adapt, produce, and lead in a new environment speaks volumes about his maturity and drive - two traits that will serve him well as he prepares for the next level.
Reiger also made a point to thank teammates from both of his college stops, highlighting the relationships and moments that shaped his journey. “Some will last a lifetime,” he said - a nod to the brotherhood that comes with the grind of college football.
From a football perspective, Reiger brings a well-rounded skill set to the draft table. He’s shown he can set the edge, get after the quarterback, and drop into coverage when needed. That versatility, combined with his resilience and leadership, makes him an intriguing prospect in a 2026 draft class that’s still taking shape.
As Reiger heads into the pre-draft process, he does so with momentum - and with the kind of story that front offices love to see. He’s battled through uncertainty, found his stride in a new program, and finished strong. Now, he’s ready for the next challenge.
And if his final season in Madison was any indication, he’s just getting started.