The Wisconsin Badgers play football tomorrow for the big first game of the 2025 season. There is a lot of excitement and buildup, but mostly, as Luke Fickell said in his presser, there are a lot of unknowns. They've practiced and practiced, but are the Badgers ready to put it all together and take it to another team? That's the question for tomorrow. Today, let's look at some of the former Badgers in the pros and a couple of Luke Fickell quotes.
John Tonje signs NBA deal with the Utah Jazz
The big news from yesterday was John Tonje signing his rookie deal with the Utah Jazz. He signed a two-way contract, which means he will play some games in the G League and some for the Jazz. For his draft spot, that's a pretty standard deal, and it gives him time to get his feet wet in the NBA.
It won't be a shock to see him play a decent amount for Utah on the NBA team, because he's obviously really good; however, the team is also young and in need of shooting.
NFL roster churn as 53-rosters are made affects a few Badgers
Let's cruise through the NFL roster churn that affected former Wisconsin Badgers.
- Joe Huber made the 53-man roster for the Minnesota Vikings in a fun rise from his UDFA contract.
- Jack Nelson also made the 53-man roster for the Atlanta Falcons even though he struggled in the preseason.
- Graham Mertz also became QB3 for the Houston Texans after a good showing to end the preseason.
- Quintez Cephus, on the other hand, was cut by the Texans in the roster churn and will be looking for a new team.
- Tanner Mordecai was also cut/waived with an injury designation.
If you are curious where Hunter Wohler is, he was placed on IR by the Indianapolis Colts after being injured in the preseason.
Luke Fickell had some interesting things to say ahead of game one
The full press conference can be found here. However, here are some articles we wrote on Badger of Honor about some of the things he said.
Luke Fickell explains why Wisconsin football won’t have team captains this season
The mindset Luke Fickell wants to define Wisconsin football in Week 1
Scouting report on new Miami (OH) QB could present problems for Wisconsin defense
Oh, and here's something that might help with the details for tomorrow, specifically how to watch:
Everything to know before Wisconsin vs. Miami (OH): How to watch and crucial updates