Don’t be surprised when Christian Alliegro becomes a household name this fall

Christian Alliegro is quietly becoming one of the most important players on Wisconsin’s defense.
Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA;  Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates with linebacker Darryl Peterson (17)  during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota Coyotes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates with linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota Coyotes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

There is so much buzz around certain players at Wisconsin fall camp right now, and one name that keeps popping up over and over is Christian Alliegro. It's not just the fans talking about him or the reporters or even the coaches. The other players are also mentioning how good he looks, and one writer is even shouting about his potential to be the next star linebacker for Wisconsin.

You know what else? He's also on the watch list for the 2025 Butkus Award, which is given to the best linebacker in college football.

Christian Alliegro looks ready to breakout in 2025 and become the next great Wisconsin linebacker

There's so much coming out lately that is hyping up Alliegro as a potential star in the Big Ten this year. Luke Fickell mentioned him during the Big Ten Media Days as someone fans should be watching this fall: "He could be one of those next guys, ability-wise, to be what (media) have expected and seen here at the linebacker position." Which is high praise.

He is also starting to get some NFL mentions as a dark horse candidate to be a decent to high draft pick in the coming NFL drafts. What is causing this rise? His play last year impressed, but it's the leap everyone is seeing in fall camp. Dillon Graff breaks down all the stats and quotes that are leading to this fanfare. Read that article here, it's long-form journalism, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.

Last season, as a sophomore, he played in all 12 games and started three of them, totalling 66 tackles with three sacks. The game everyone continues to point to is when he got a start against Iowa, and he went crazy, getting 16 total tackles, seven of them solo, and a sack.

From the Butkus Award watch list to the praise he's getting from all areas, keep your eye on Alliegro; he looks poised to take a huge leap this year and be a Big Ten star in 2025.