Wisconsin football: Hunter Wohler named to the preseason Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist
Today, Wisconsin Badgers starting safety Hunter Wohler was named to the preseason Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist. Wohler returns to the Badgers after a spectacular 2023 season in which he led the team with 120 total tackles, garnered Associated Press First-Team Big Ten honors, and received media Second-Team Big Ten honors. Of the sixteen Big Ten players nominated, Wohler was the only Wisconsin Badger on the preseason list.
#Badgers safety Hunter Wohler is on the preseason watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, given to the national defensive player of the year.
— Colten Bartholomew (@CBartWSJ) July 30, 2024
Earlier this year, Hunter Wohler was one of five Wisconsin Badgers to receive 2024 All-Big Ten preseason recognition from Phil Steele. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is counting on Wohler to be one of the leaders for the 2024 season, as the Wisconsin Badgers expect to improve from their pedestrian 7-6 record last season. Tressel described Hunter Wohler yesterday in glowing terms, not only in his knowledge of the game but as a solid leader and effective communicator for the defense.
#Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel on Hunter Wohler:
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) July 29, 2024
"Here's a dude who understands ball and absolutely loves it." pic.twitter.com/JetwuIpmNY
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Nagurski Trophy watchlist includes 75 players, including last year's winner, safety Xavier Watts of Notre Dame. Of those 75 players, 16 players are on Big Ten rosters.
The Ohio State Buckeyes had the most Big Ten representatives on the list with four: cornerback Denzel Burke, defensive end JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, and safety transfer Caleb Downs. The Iowa Hawkeyes follow the Buckeyes with three players, led by linebackers Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, and cornerback Sebastian Castro.
The defending national champion Michigan Wolverines return defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, and conference newcomer Oregon has cornerback Jabbar Muhammad and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. Other Big Ten players listed are Northwestern linebacker Xander Mueller, Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, and Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman. Wisconsin CB Ricardo Hallman, an Associated Press Third Team All-American last year, was an interesting omission from the list.
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