These current (and former) Wisconsin football players are headed to the NFL scouting combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events for draft-eligible players to showcase their talents in front of professional scouts, coaches, and executives. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and preparation, with each prospect hoping to make a lasting impression that will catapult them into the NFL. For the University of Wisconsin, which has a rich football history of producing NFL-caliber talent, this year’s combine is no exception, as a group of current and former players will be making their way to Indianapolis to pursue their dreams.

Wisconsin has long been known for its powerhouse offensive line, hard-hitting linebackers, and solid overall team performance. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several standout players from the Badgers program are on the verge of joining the professional ranks. From dynamic offensive playmakers to imposing defensive forces, Wisconsin’s football program is once again making its mark on the NFL Scouting Combine. Here, we take a closer look at the players from Wisconsin who are heading to Indianapolis and what makes them special as they prepare to prove themselves on the big stage.

1. Joe Tippmann (Center) – The Offensive Line Prospect with Massive Potential

Joe Tippmann, the standout center for the Wisconsin Badgers, is one of the most highly anticipated players at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Over the past few years, Tippmann has established himself as one of the top centers in college football, earning multiple All-Big Ten honors and being recognized as an anchor for the Badgers’ offensive line. Tippmann is widely regarded for his size, athleticism, and technical skills that make him a dominant force at the line of scrimmage.

At 6’6″ and 315 pounds, Tippmann has the ideal frame for an NFL center. His agility and quickness allow him to engage with defenders and create running lanes for his backs, while also offering solid pass protection for his quarterbacks. A strength of Tippmann’s game is his ability to effectively communicate with his fellow linemen, which has made him an invaluable asset for Wisconsin’s offense. His leadership and consistency in both run-blocking and pass protection will certainly help him stand out in front of NFL scouts.

As he heads to the combine, Tippmann will be looking to impress with his athletic testing numbers, particularly in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and agility drills. His ability to showcase his physical attributes, combined with his years of experience at Wisconsin, will make him one of the most intriguing center prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.

2. Braelon Allen (Running Back) – Wisconsin’s Dynamic Playmaker

One of the most exciting prospects from Wisconsin heading to the NFL Scouting Combine is Braelon Allen, the electric running back who has been a key component of the Badgers’ offense. Allen emerged as one of the top young running backs in the nation during his time at Wisconsin, earning praise for his vision, power, and ability to break big runs. At just 20 years old, Allen has the potential to be one of the first running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 235 pounds, Allen brings a rare blend of size, speed, and strength. He has the power to bulldoze through tacklers and the agility to change directions quickly and evade defenders. Over the course of his career at Wisconsin, Allen has displayed exceptional vision and patience behind the offensive line, waiting for holes to open up before accelerating and exploding through them.

Allen’s combine performance will be critical for his draft stock, as NFL teams will want to see how his athleticism translates to the professional level. His 40-yard dash time, vertical jump, and overall agility will be key metrics for scouts evaluating his ability to perform at the next level. Given his impressive production at Wisconsin, Allen is likely to be one of the most sought-after running backs in this draft class.

3. Nick Herbig (Linebacker) – A Defensive Playmaker with NFL Talent

Another player from Wisconsin that has garnered attention heading into the NFL Scouting Combine is Nick Herbig, a versatile and athletic linebacker. Over the past few seasons, Herbig has been a standout defender for the Badgers, known for his explosiveness, speed, and playmaking ability. He has been a constant presence in the Wisconsin defense, serving as a disruptive force in both the pass and run game.

Herbig stands at 6’2″ and weighs 230 pounds, giving him the ideal build for a modern-day NFL linebacker. He has the ability to rush the passer off the edge, but also excels in coverage and stopping the run. Over his time at Wisconsin, Herbig showcased a relentless motor and exceptional instincts, consistently finding ways to make impactful plays, whether by sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or breaking up passes.

NFL scouts will be eager to see how Herbig performs at the combine, especially in the 3-cone drill and shuttle tests, which will highlight his agility and ability to change direction. Given his athleticism and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, Herbig is expected to make a strong impression and could end up being selected early in the 2025 draft.

4. Keeanu Benton (Defensive Tackle) – A Dominant Force in the Trenches

One of the most imposing players heading to the NFL Scouting Combine from Wisconsin is Keeanu Benton, a massive defensive tackle who has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Benton’s blend of size, power, and technique has made him one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Big Ten over the past few seasons.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, Benton is an immovable force in the middle of the defensive line. His ability to clog running lanes, collapse the pocket, and get to the quarterback has made him one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. He has quick hands, excellent footwork, and an unrelenting motor, all of which make him a tough matchup for offensive linemen.

Benton’s combine performance will be closely watched by NFL teams, as his ability to move for a player of his size will be a key factor in his evaluation. His results in drills like the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, and bench press will help determine where he is selected in the draft. Given his dominance at Wisconsin, Benton’s combine performance could further elevate his draft stock, potentially making him a first-round selection.

5. Jack Nelson (Offensive Tackle) – Wisconsin’s Bookend Left Tackle

Another player on the list of Wisconsin prospects headed to the NFL Scouting Combine is Jack Nelson, a standout offensive tackle who has been the anchor of Wisconsin’s offensive line. Nelson is a physical presence on the field, standing at 6’7″ and weighing around 320 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has made him one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Throughout his career at Wisconsin, Nelson showcased a strong ability to both pass protect and create running lanes for the Badgers’ running backs. His technique and understanding of the game have helped him become one of the most consistent and reliable linemen in the Big Ten. In particular, Nelson’s ability to handle pass rushers from both sides of the line, while also being a force in the running game, makes him a highly coveted prospect.

At the combine, Nelson will be under the microscope as scouts evaluate his physical attributes, including his bench press, 40-yard dash, and vertical jump. Offensive tackles are often judged on their ability to move in space and their agility, so Nelson’s performance in these drills will be key to his draft prospects.

Wisconsin’s NFL Scouting Combine Impact

Wisconsin has always been known for its ability to produce NFL talent, especially in the trenches and in the defensive backfield. With players like Tippmann, Allen, Herbig, Benton, and Nelson headed to the NFL Scouting Combine, the program’s reputation for developing top-tier talent only continues to grow. These athletes have the potential to leave their mark on the NFL, and their performances in Indianapolis will go a long way toward determining their futures in the league.

For Wisconsin fans, the 2025 NFL Draft will be an exciting one, as several of their most talented and accomplished players make the jump to the professional level. Each of these prospects has the ability to contribute to an NFL team’s success, whether as a starting player or a valuable role player.

As the combine approaches, all eyes will be on these Wisconsin football players, who are poised to make their mark in front of NFL scouts. Their ability to perform under pressure will ultimately shape the trajectory of their professional careers. With a history of success and a bright future ahead, the Wisconsin football program will undoubtedly continue to produce players who make an impact at the next level.