NFL action kicks off tonight with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles facing off in primetime. With 24 former Badgers on active NFL rosters this year, there was bound to be some head-to-head battles between former teammates. Right off the bat, two of the best players who will be on the field Thursday night are former Wisconsin teammates who know each other well.
The Eagles' Zack Baun and the Cowboys' Jake Ferguson were former Badgers who spent every day of practice going up against one another. The duo overlapped for two seasons in Madison, and now face each other twice a year as division rivals.
Baun, who enjoyed a huge breakout season in 2024, registering 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles, will be tasked with defending tight end Jake Ferguson, who also cashed in after a successful campaign. The pair both received massive extensions in the offseason and have risen up to be top players in the league, and are now paid in the top 10 at their respective positions.
Wisconsin continues to be a factory for producing NFL players
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Wisconsin is a top-20 program when it comes to producing NFL talent, with over 30 players currently on a roster, injured reserve, or practice squad. While the most recent seasons have seen a leaner production, former Badgers made 19 NFL teams this season. The 2025 NFL Draft saw two Badgers selected, although Hunter Wohler's season was cut short due to injury, and Jack Nelson won't see much playing time as a reserve.
Baun and Ferguson will face off at 7:20PM tonight on NBC in a highly anticipated NFL duel between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.