The All-Time Badger Football Team

With veteran calm, Wilson threw for the most passing yards (3,175) and touchdowns (33) in a season in school history, all while completing 73 percent of his passes and giving away only four interceptions. Beyond the obvious arm talent, Wilson could almost magically scramble out of trouble and extend plays. His dual-threat mobility — novel for a UW quarterback — added 338 rushing yards and six touchdowns. For good measure, he even caught a touchdown.

Wilson led the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl appearance in his lone season in Madison. Overcoming questions about his height — 5’11”, short for a pro quarterback — he became a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 and has climbed to 12th in NFL history in passing touchdowns.

Many UW teams have found success with a run-first mentality and a steady-but-unspectacular game manager at quarterback. But on this fantasy team, I’m going to — as the saying goes — let Russ cook.

Halfback

Ron Dayne (1996–99)

Welcome to Running Back U. You could throw a dart at the board of the UW’s all-time leading rushers and never go wrong with this selection. How about Melvin Gordon x’15, who ran for school records 408 yards in a game, 2,587 yards in a season (behind only Barry Sanders and Ashton Jeanty in NCAA history), and 7.79 yards per carry over his college career? There’s Jonathan Taylor x’21, who surpassed a 2,000-yard season twice (and nearly thrice) in college and then led the NFL in rushing in 2021. And don’t forget Montee Ball x’13, who bulldozed his way into the end zone a school-best 77 times.

Ron Dayne could dance around defenders or plow right through them.

But there’s only one running back who remains larger than life in Badger lore: Ron Dayne. The “Great Dayne” led the UW to consecutive Rose Bowl victories after the 1998 and 1999 seasons, picking up a Heisman Trophy along the way. Defying first impressions, the 270-pound halfback could just as easily dance around defenders as plow right through them, and he did plenty of both on his way to 7,125 career rushing yards — still the most in NCAA history, if you count his postseason games (and, ahem, the NCAA should).

Although he couldn’t replicate his success in the NFL, Dayne paved the way for the run-first, ground-and-pound style that became synonymous with Badger football excellence for decades. And for that, he remains the GOAT.

Fullback

Alan Ameche (1951–54)

You can’t blame Badger football for the demise of the dedicated fullback. The UW has been a fullback factory, producing more than a dozen NFL contributors at the position — most recently Alec Ingold ’18, who made the Pro Bowl in 2024.

But only one Badger fullback has won the Heisman Trophy. Back when bulky fullbacks were the primary ballcarriers, the Badgers rode “The Iron Horse” Alan Ameche ’56 all the way to their first Rose Bowl appearance in 1953. Ameche led the Big Ten in rushing in both his freshman and sophomore seasons with his physical, lumbering style, setting a then–NCAA record for career rushing yards (3,345). Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, he scored the game-winning touchdown in the NFL’s 1958 championship — often called the greatest game ever played.

Ameche is one of two fullbacks to have won the Heisman Trophy, and it’s only fitting that he joins Dayne — the only other UW player to win the award — in this team’s backfield. Good luck, defenses, bringing down these freight trains.

Wide Receivers

Lee Evans (1999–2003); Jared Abbrederis (2009–13)

I need a receiver who can actually track down Russell Wilson’s deep throws, and fortunately, the UW was home to one of the greatest vertical threats of his time: Lee Evans.

By just about every statistical measure, Evans leads the way for Badger receivers. His 3,468 career receiving yards and 27 touchdowns are school records, and his average of 19.8 yards per reception is second only to Tony Simmons ’97. With field-stretching speed, he didn’t just outrun opposing cornerbacks — he occasionally outran his quarterback’s arm, only to come back to the ball, make an absurd body adjustment in the air, and complete a contested catch.

In 2003, after quarterback Jim Sorgi ’04 got knocked out of the game from a cheap shot, Evans caught a game-winning, 79-yard touchdown from backup Matt Schabert ’04 to break Ohio State’s 19-game win streak. Later that year against Michigan State, he hauled in 10 catches for single-game school records 258 yards and five touchdowns. A first-round draft pick in 2004, Evans enjoyed an eight-year NFL career and still ranks among the Buffalo Bills’ top five in most receiving categories.

By just about every statistical measure, Lee Evans leads the way for Badger receivers.

It’s tempting to reunite Evans with high school and college teammate Chris Chambers x’01, another formidable deep threat who compiled 7,648 yards and 58 touchdowns in the pros. However, his stats at the UW weren’t as eye-popping, in part due to injuries. Both father and son Al ’95 and Nick x’11 Toon also deserve consideration, since each racked up enough receiving yards at the UW (while running varsity track) to rank among the school’s top 10. But I’ll give the other starting nod to Jared Abbrederis ’13, whose 202 career receptions rank first in school history (tied with Brandon Williams ’16) and whose 3,140 receiving yards are second only to Evans. It doesn’t hurt that Abbrederis was one of Wilson’s favorite targets in real life.

Tight End

Pat Richter (1959–62)

Who’s the best Badger tight end of all time? That stirs a debate between old school and new school.

There’s Pat Richter ’64, JD’71, who put up big receiving numbers in an era when teams were just starting to open up the passing game. As a hybrid tight end and wide receiver, he finished with 1,873 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons — numbers that would still make for a solid contributor today. In 1961, Richter led the nation in receiving yards (817) and touchdowns (eight). He also set Rose Bowl records with 11 catches and 163 receiving years in the all-time classic 1963 game.

And then there’s Travis Beckum x’08, a dynamic pass catcher for the Badgers in the mid-2000s. At 6’3″, 240 pounds, he looked the part of a tight end while flashing the moves of a wide receiver in the open field. Even after a broken leg cut his senior year short, Beckum finished his college career with 159 catches and 2,149 yards — both ranking among the top five in UW history.

Each of these impact players made it to the NFL. So my tiebreaker? I’ll take the guy who later became UW athletic director, hired head coach Barry Alvarez, and helped usher in a proud new era of Badger football.

TACKLES: Joe Thomas (2003–06); Aaron Gibson (1995–98)

Joe Thomas is widely considered one of the best left tackles in NFL history, so he’s the no-brainer pick to protect Russell Wilson’s blind side on this team. Thomas was simply dominant at the UW. He was the first true freshman to play on the offensive line during the Alvarez era, and he earned the 2006 Outland Trophy as the best lineman in college football. The Cleveland Browns wisely selected him with the number three overall pick in 2007.

At 6’6″, 312 pounds, Thomas combined elite footwork and a unique “shot put” technique with his hands, leaving even the best pass rushers visibly frustrated. He allowed only 30 sacks over 6,680 pass-blocking plays in the NFL, a rate of less than half a percent, while playing a league record 10,363 consecutive snaps over 11 seasons. He also made 10 straight Pro Bowls. It’s no surprise, then, that he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

At right tackle, give me big Aaron Gibson x’99. At some 400 pounds, Gibson went on to become the largest player in NFL history. But before then, he used his size — and shocking agility — to maul open Mack Truck–sized holes for the Great Dayne. As a senior in 1998, Gibson became a consensus first-team All-American, a finalist for the Outland Trophy, a Rose Bowl victor, and a first-round NFL draft pick.

Guards

Kevin Zeitler (2008–11); John Moffitt (2006–10)

A whopping 25 UW linemen have been drafted to the NFL since 2000, including several star guards. Rising to the top of my list is Kevin Zeitler x’12, who garnered All-American honors in 2011, became a first-round draft pick, and recently earned a Pro Bowl selection in his 12th NFL season.

The other guard spot can go to Zeitler’s college linemate John Moffitt x’10, who was an All-American in 2010. Together that year, they cleared the way for a trio of 1,000-yard rushers (Ball, James White ’21, and John Clay x’11). If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Center

Mike Webster (1970–73)

The UW has churned out many NFL-caliber centers over the years, including Travis Frederick x’13, a five-time Pro Bowl player with the Dallas Cowboys. But only one Badger center has made it all the way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Mike Webster. In the early 1970s, “Iron Mike” anchored a star-studded offensive line that opened big holes for running backs Rufus Ferguson ’73 and Billy Marek ’77. But he earned his nickname in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he played 15 years, started 150 consecutive games, and won four Super Bowls.

Tragically, his legendary durability came at a steep price, as Webster became the first person officially diagnosed with CTE — the neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma — after his death in 2002. That legacy off the field has proven as important as the one on it, with growing emphasis on player safety in recent years.

The Defense

Defensive Linemen

J. J. Watt (2008–10); Tim Krumrie (1979–82); Wendell Bryant (1998–2001)

It’s hard to imagine that J. J. Watt — one of the best pass rushers in NFL history — was ever an underdog. But so he was when he arrived at the UW as a walk-on after giving up his football scholarship at Central Michigan.

Converted from tight end to defensive end, Watt bull-rushed onto the scene in 2009 with four and a half sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He led the Badgers with seven sacks and 21 tackles for loss the following season, earning him All-American honors. Proving his freakish athleticism at 6’5″, 290 pounds, he also blocked four kicks in college.

A first-round draft pick by the Houston Texans, Watt went on to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times and compile 114.5 sacks over his 12-year pro career.

Think Watt is tough? Meet Tim Krumrie x’83. When he suffered a gruesome fracture in the 1989 Super Bowl, he asked for only a beer and a TV in the locker room, refusing painkillers (so he could remember the game) as the medical team reset his mangled leg. It was assumed his football career was over, but he was ready to play by the start of the next season — with a 15-inch steel rod in his leg.

Before that, Krumrie both wrestled and played football at the UW. An undersized nose guard, he used a wrestler’s intensity to wreak havoc on the field and lead the Badgers in tackles in each of his four seasons. His 444 career tackles were then a school record and contributed to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Last but not least on this beast of a line is Wendell Bryant ’08. As a freshman, the 300-pound defensive tackle clinched the 1999 Rose Bowl with a sack of UCLA quarterback Cade McNown. After that, Bryant was a magnet for double teams from opposing linemen, but he still managed to power his way to 24 career sacks — fifth most in UW history — including five in a single game against Penn State in 2001.

Linebackers

Tarek Saleh (1993–96); Chris Borland (2009–13); T. J. Edwards (2014–18); T. J. Watt (2013–16)

Rounding out this fearsome front seven are Tarek Saleh ’97 and T. J. Watt x’17 as pass-rushing outside linebackers, with Chris Borland ’13 and T. J. Edwards ’18 patrolling the middle of the field as inside linebackers.

Saleh is the UW’s career leader in sacks (33) and tackles for loss (58). In the 1996 Copper Bowl against Utah, the dependable All-American won defensive MVP with six tackles, a pass breakup, and a blocked field goal.

Watt, just like his older brother, started as a tight end in college before finding his true calling on defense. Watt exploded for 63 tackles and 11.5 sacks as a junior in 2016. He then declared for the NFL, turning into one of the league’s most-feared pass rushers with more than 100 sacks over eight years (leading the NFL in three of those seasons). Imagine T. J. and J. J. running right at you.

Borland, a tenacious field general and heavy hitter, became Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year his senior season in 2013. His 15 forced fumbles over his college career are a UW record — more than doubling any other player — and his 420 tackles rank sixth in school history. His first year in the pros, Borland led the San Francisco 49ers in tackles and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He then abruptly retired from the sport over long-term concerns about head injuries, sparking mainstream awareness of the subject.

Edwards showed off both consistency and versatility with the Badgers. From 2015 to 2018, he compiled 367 tackles, eight sacks, and — surprising for a linebacker — 10 interceptions. As a junior he was runner-up for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. He somehow went undrafted, but his steady production continues in the NFL, with four consecutive 100-tackle seasons.

Cornerbacks

Jamar (Fletcher) Israel (1997–2000); Troy Vincent (1988–91)

How about these guys for shutdown corners?

No defender in Badger history has had a flair for the dramatic quite like Jamar (Fletcher) Israel x’02. His 21 career interceptions (in just three seasons) tie a UW record, and he returned five of them for touchdowns — the most by any Badger. As a freshman in the 1999 Rose Bowl, his fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown proved decisive. In the next year’s Sun Bowl, the clutch cornerback sealed another victory with an interception in the final minute. Against Purdue in October 1998, he scored the go-ahead touchdown after intercepting one of Drew Brees’s record 83 pass attempts.

Israel won the 2000 Jim Thorpe Award for the nation’s best defensive back. A decade prior, Troy Vincent x’92 had set the standard as a runner-up for the award. Vincent was a standout when Alvarez was just starting to turn the UW’s struggling program around in the early ’90s. In 2023, he became the latest Badger to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Both of these ball hawks became first-round NFL draft picks with long careers, and Vincent is now the league’s executive vice president of football operations.

Safeties

Jim Leonhard (2001–04); Matt Vanden Boom (1979–82)

Jim Leonhard ’06 didn’t look too intimidating as a 5’8″ free safety. But the UW walk-on made up for his size with a whole lot of heart and speed, earning playing time as a true freshman and then putting together three consecutive All-American campaigns.

By the time he left for the NFL, Leonhard had tied the UW record with 21 interceptions, set the single-season record of 11, and was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Leonhard also broke school records as a prolific punt returner.

Securing the other safety spot is fellow walk-on and overperformer Matt Vanden Boom ’83 (who would also qualify for the team of all-time best names). The receiver-turned-safety became a first-team All-American in 1981 with six interceptions — including three in a season-opening win against top-ranked Michigan. His interception in the 1982 Independence Bowl against Kansas State secured the UW’s first-ever bowl victory. And he could also deliver a big hit, so he’ll fit right in leading the UW’s own Legion of Boom.

The Special Teams

Kicker

Matt Davenport (1996–98)

I’m tempted to give this spot to the big Brazilian Rafael Gaglianone ’19, who both kicked and danced his way into the UW record books with 70 career field goals. But with a game on the line, I want the most accurate kicker. And by the numbers, that’s Matt Davenport ’99, who converted 33 of 38 field goals (87 percent) with the Badgers.

Punter

Kevin Stemke (1997–2000)

Only two UW punters have been selected in the NFL Draft: Jim Bakken ’63, who performed double duty as a kicker, and Brad Nortman x’12. But the Ray Guy Award goes to college football’s best punter, and the UW has only had one winner: Kevin Stemke ’01. Along with a 43.5-yard punting average that ranks second in school history, that’s enough to land his powerful left leg on this team.

Returner

Ira Matthews (1975–78)

David Gilreath x’11 is the UW’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards and will forever be remembered for his opening 97-yard touchdown against number one Ohio State in 2010. But Ira Matthews x’79, during an otherwise forgettable era of Badger football, returned two kickoffs and four punts for touchdowns in his college career — both UW records. At 5’8″, 175 pounds, the slight, slippery Matthews then took his return talents to the NFL after the Oakland Raiders drafted him in the sixth round.

Long Snapper

Mike Schneck (1996-98)

The unsung long snapper may have the most stressful job in all of football, because anything less than a 100 percent success rate is considered failure. If you sail a single snap over the head of the holder or punter, you’ll doom the kick — and you won’t last long on the team. Mike Schneck x’00 lasted 11 years in the NFL, and even played in the 2005 Pro Bowl, so I have faith he can handle the job on this team.

The Honorable Mentions

The following standouts rose to serious contention but fell just short of our all-time Badger football team. After you finish browsing our final selections and honorable mentions, email your thoughts on the UW’s fantasy lineup to onwisconsin@uwalumni.com or post a comment on this story.

Quarterback

Joel Stave (2011–15); Scott Tolzien (2006–10); John Stocco (2003–06); Jim Sorgi (1999–03); Brooks Bollinger (1999–2002); Mike Samuel (1995–98); Darrell Bevell (1992–95); Randy Wright (1980–83); Ron Vander Kelen (1958–62); Dale Hackbart (1956–59); Sidney Williams Jr. (1955–58); James Haluska (1951–55); John Coatta (1948–51); Earl Girard (1944, ’47)

Running Back

Braelon Allen (2021–23); Jonathan Taylor (2017–19); Corey Clement (2013–16); Melvin Gordon (2011–14); James White (2010–13); Montee Ball (2009–12); John Clay (2007–10); P. J. Hill (2005–08); Brian Calhoun (2002–05); Anthony Davis (2000–04); Michael Bennett (1998–2000); Terrell Fletcher (1991–94); Brent Moss (1991–93); Larry Emery (1983–86); Billy Marek (1972–75); Rufus Ferguson (1969–72); Louis Holland Sr. (1960–63); Danny Lewis (1954–57); Bob Teague (1946–49)

Fullback

Alec Ingold (2015–18); Derek Watt (2011–15); Bradie Ewing (2008–11); Chris Pressley (2004–08); Matt Bernstein (2001–05); Cecil Martin (1994–98); Mark Montgomery (1990–93); Joe Armentrout (1982–86); Dave Mohapp (1978–81); Larry Canada (1973–76); Ken Starch (1972–75); Alan Thompson (1968–71); Rick Reichardt (1962–63); Ralph Kurek (1961–64)

Wide Receivers

Quintez Cephus (2016–19); Alex Erickson (2012–15); Nick Toon (2007–11); Brandon Williams (2002–05); Jonathan Orr (2001–05); Nick Davis (1998–2001); Chris Chambers (1997–2000); Donald Hayes (1994–97); Tony Simmons (1993–97); Lee DeRamus (1991–94); Michael Jones (1981–84); Al Toon (1981–84); David Charles (1975–78); Tom Bennett (1946–48)

Tight End

Jake Ferguson (2017­–21); Troy Fumagalli (2013–17); Jacob Pedersen (2009–13); Lance Kendricks (2006–10); Garrett Graham (2005–09); Travis Beckum (2005–08); Owen Daniels (2001–05); Michael Roan (1990–94); Ray Sydnor (1976–79); Stu Voigt (1966–69); Ron Leafblad (1960–64); Dave Kocourek (1955–58)

Tackles

Cole Van Lanen (2016–20); David Edwards (2015–18); Ryan Ramczyk (2015–16); Rob Havenstein (2010–14); Rick Wagner (2008–12); Gabe Carimi (2006–10); Chris McIntosh (1995–99); Mark Tauscher (1995–99); Jerry Wunsch (1992–96); Mike Verstegen (1990–94); Joe Panos (1991–93); Paul Gruber (1983–87); Jeff Dellenbach (1981–84); Ray Snell (1976–79); Dennis Lick (1972–75); Dan Lanphear (1956–59); Dave Suminski (1949–52)

Guards

Logan Bruss (2017–21); Josh Seltzner (2017–21); Beau Benzschawel (2014–18); Michael Deiter (2014–18); Kyle Costigan (2010–14); Ryan Groy (2009–13); Kraig Urbik (2004–08); Dan Buenning (2000–04); Jamie Vanderveldt (1992–96); Joe Rudolph (1991–94); Terry Stieve (1972–75); Gary Messner (1952–54); Ken Huxhold (1947–50)

Center

Tanor Bortolini (2020–23); Joe Tippmann (2019–22); Tyler Biadasz (2017–19); Travis Frederick (2009–12); Peter Konz (2008–11); Donovan Raiola (2001–05); Al Johnson (1998–2002); Casey Rabach (1997–2000); Derek Engler (1992–96); Cory Raymer (1991–94); Dan Turk (1983–84); Ken Bowman (1960–63); Dick Teteak (1955–58); Robert “Red” Wilson (1946–49)

Defensive Linemen

Honorable mentions: Keeanu Benton (2019–22); Olive Sagapolu (2015–18); Beau Allen (2010–13); O’Brien Schofield (2005–09); Matt Shaughnessy (2005–08); Nick Hayden (2004–07); Anttaj Hawthorne (2001–04); Erasmus James (2000–04); John Favret (1997–2000); Ross Kolodziej (1996–2000); Tom Burke (1995–98); Bryan Jurewicz (1992–96); Mike Thompson (1990–94); Carlos Fowler (1990–93); Lamark Shackerford (1990–93); Don Davey (1987–90); Darryl Sims (1980–84); Bill Gregory (1967–70); Jim Temp (1951–54); Don Voss (1951–54); Pat O’Donahue (1948–51)

Linebackers

Nick Herbig (2020–22); Leo Chenal (2019–21); Jack Sanborn (2018–21); Andrew Van Ginkel (2017–18); Zack Baun (2015–19); Ryan Connelly (2014–18); Jack Cichy (2013–17); Leon Jacobs (2013–17); Vince Biegel (2012–16); Joe Schobert (2012–15); Mike Taylor (2009–12); Jonathan Casillas (2005–08); DeAndre Levy (2005–08); Jeff Mack Jr. (2000–03); Nick Greisen (1998–01); Chris Ghidorzi (1996–99); Donnel Thompson (1996–99); Pete Monty (1993–96); Yusef Burgess (1990–93); Gary Casper (1989–92); Rick Graf (1982–86); Tim Jordan (1982–86); Dave Crossen (1975–78); Dave Lokanc (1969–72); Ken Criter (1965–68); Deral Teteak (1948–51); Hal Faverty (1945, ’48, ’50–51)

Cornerbacks

Ricardo Hallman (2021–present); Nick Nelson (2016–17); Sojourn Shelton (2013–16); Antonio Fenelus (2008–11); Allen Langford (2005–08); Jack Ikegwuonu (2004–07); Scott Starks (2001–04); Mike Echols (1997–2001); Nate Odomes (1983–86); Richard Johnson (1981–84); Lawrence Johnson (1975–78); Ed Withers (1948–51)

Safeties

Hunter Wohler (2021–24); D’Cota Dixon (2014–18); Michael Caputo (2012–15); Aaron Henry (2007–11); Chris Maragos (2007–09); Allen Langford (2005–08); Jason Doering (1996–2000); Jeff Messenger (1991–94); Scott Nelson (1989–93); Reggie Holt (1989–93); Ken Stills (1983–84); David Greenwood (1979–82); Neovia Greyer (1969–71); Carl Silvestri (1961–64); Bob Zeman (1956–59)

Kicker

Collin Larsh (2017–21); Rafael Gaglianone (2014–18); Philip Welch (2008–11); Taylor Mehlhaff (2004–07); John Hall (1992–96); Todd Gregoire (1984–87)

Punter

Andy Vujnovich (2020–22); Brad Nortman (2008–11); Ken DeBauche (2003–07); Scott Cepicky (1984–87); Jim Bakken (1958–61)

Returner

Aron Cruickshank (2018–19); Kenzel Doe (2011–14); David Gilreath (2007–10); Aaron Stecker (1995–96)

Long Snapper

Peter Bowden (2019–23)