The University of Wisconsin football program’s starting left tackle for the last three seasons is taking his talents to the NFL.
After five seasons in Madison, Wisconsin Badgers’ offensive lineman Jack Nelson announced that he is entering his name into the 2025 NFL Draft.
The team captain shared the news in a heartfelt message to Badger Nation.
“My five years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers have been an incredible experience and a dream come true,” Nelson wrote. “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.”
Nelson, a four-star prospect out of Stoughton High School in Wisconsin, was part of Paul Chryst’s 2020 recruiting class. He was ranked as the No. 10 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 104 overall recruit in his cycle.
During his career at Wisconsin, Nelson started 50 games, including 37 at left tackle over the last three seasons and 13 at right guard as a redshirt freshman. Nelson earned consensus All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition during both the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Badgers.
While preparing for the next step in his career, Nelson emphasized his gratitude for his teammates and coaches.
“I am forever thankful for every second of my time spent in Madison, especially for all of my teammates and coaches with whom I have shared this journey,” Nelson added. “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!”
Wisconsin Badgers left tackle’s Jack Nelson and Kevin Heywood at fall camp. Photo Credit: Christian Borman
Wisconsin Badgers left tackle’s Jack Nelson and Kevin Heywood at fall camp. Photo Credit: Christian Borman Photo Credit: Christian Borman
Playing under position coach AJ Blazek, the 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle put together his best season in 2024, earning a career-high 79.9 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus. Nelson also posted a 75.1 run-blocking grade and an 82.2 in pass protection. He allowed just one sack and nine pressures across 393 pass-blocking reps-both career bests.
“You’re the man Jackie! ,” Blazek wrote on X. “You are an old school dude that does it the right way! There are not many of you left… Your toughness & work ethic will always separate you from the others! Never lose your passion or love of the game! You will be missed!! .”
Nelson’s physical tools and versatility are expected to garner a fair amount of attention during the pre-draft process, with projections placing him as a fifth-round pick, according to the NFL Mock Draft Database.
The in-state product is set to carry on the legacy of Wisconsin’s storied offensive line pipeline to the NFL.
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