Wisconsin starting left tackle Jack Nelson officially declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Sunday.
Nelson completed his final year of eligibility with the Badgers in 2024. He is also one of two Wisconsin products set to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in February. His departure was known as the 2024 season concluded — making Sunday’s announcement more of a formality.
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“My five years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers have been an incredible experience and a dream come true,” Nelson posted on X. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a Badger. Words cannot express how much I love this program, the city of Madison, and the state of Wisconsin…I look forward to the future of the Wisconsin Badgers and am proud to represent UW as I begin the next chapter of preparing for the NFL draft. As I move forward to my new challenge, I will always be a Badger. On Wisconsin.”
Nelson departs after four years as one of Wisconsin’s top starting offensive linemen. He began as its right guard in 2021, then started at left tackle from 2022 through 2024. His career concludes with 50 total starts over those four seasons.
The Stoughton, Wisconsin native originally joined the program as a five-star recruit in the class of 2020, ranked as the No. 26 overall player in the class and No. 2 offensive tackle. He played for two different head coaches (Paul Chryst, Luke Fickell), three offensive coordinators (Joe Rudolph, Bobby Engram, Phil Longo) and four different offensive line coaches (Rudolph, Bob Bostad, Jack Bicknell Jr., A.J. Blazek) during his time with the program.
Nelson was one of the Badgers’ most consistent players during what was a tumultuous five-year stretch. His career accolades include All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
— Jack Nelson (@JackNelson755) January 20, 2025
Nelson is currently projected to be a day three pick in April’s draft. He and star safety Hunter Wohler are the two former Badgers likely to be selected.
Wisconsin is in search of a new starting left tackle entering 2025. Top 2024 signee Kevin Heywood is the projected starter at this early stage of the offseason.
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