Braelon Allen, Graham Mertz, Hunter Wohler and other ex-Badgers make notable NFL debuts in preseason
Allen stands as the backup running back on the Jets roster, behind Breece Hall.
It was one of several notable preseason debuts for former Wisconsin Badgers, with a mixed bag of results. Here's a recap:
Hunter Wohler flourishes in first NFL experience
Ex-Badgers and Muskego High School alumnus Hunter Wohler had a memorable debut with the Indianapolis Colts, leading the team with nine tackles (six solo) in a 24-16 loss to the Ravens. That was coming off a series of joint practices in which he reeled in two interceptions, including one against two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
The seventh-round pick is listed as a backup safety on the Colts' initial depth chart.
The Colts, a team that also includes UW alumni Jonathan Taylor at running back and offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini, will host the Packers for a joint practice session and another preseason game Aug. 16.
Dare Ogunbowale still going strong for Texans
Former UW running back and Marquette University High School alumnus Dare Ogunbowale is still going strong, entering his ninth season in the NFL and fourth with the Houston Texans.
The special-teams ace had five carries and a team-leading 29 yards for the Texans in a 20-10 loss to Minnesota on Aug. 9. Ogunbowale, who signed a one-year extension in the offseason, had 30 carries for 112 yards last year in addition to his work on special teams, plus 19 receptions for another 198 receiving yards.
Graham Mertz throws three interceptions for Houston Texans
Former Badgers starting quarterback Graham Mertz, a sixth-round draft pick by the Houston Texans this year, played in five drives in Houston's preseason opener, and it didn't go well.
Mertz threw three interceptions and completed seven of 14 attempts for just 28 yards. He also had nine rushing yards. Mertz threw only five interceptions over his two years at Florida, where he transferred to after leading Wisconsin for three years and four years in the program.
The Texans, by the way, just signed former Badgers receiver Quintez Cephus.
Tanner Mordecai gets a look for San Francisco
Tanner Mordecai, the man who succeeded Mertz as quarterback at UW for one season, completed three of six passes for the 49ers in the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, good for 21 yards. He also threw an interception.
Mordecai is a longshot to make the 49ers roster out of camp.
Matt Henningsen suffers season-ending injury
Menomonee Falls High School alumnus and former UW standout Matt Henningsen, now with the Broncos, tore his Achilles during a joint practice, and his 2025 season is over before it started. He was slated for surgery early this week.
The sixth-round pick in 2022 spent all of last season on the practice squad after appearing in every game his first two seasons in the league.
Other notes from NFL openers involving Wisconsin players
Waukesha North and Iowa State alumnus Will McDonald had one tackle for the Jets in the game against the Packers.
Joe Huber got strong marks on the offensive line with the Vikings in their opener against the Texans.
Likewise, Wauwatosa East alumnus (and ex-Purdue offensive lineman) Marcus Mbow got strong marks for his debut performance with the New York Giants.
Second-year player Maema Njongmeta finished with five tackles and a pass breakup that led to an interception for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Philadelphia linebacker Zack Baun, coming off a massive breakout season in 2024 and a contract extension to remain with the reigning Super Bowl champion, has been limited with a back injury.
Chimere Dike (Waukesha North), who played at Wisconsin before transferring to Florida for his final year, caught one pass for six yards with the Tennessee Titans in his preseason debut.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin alumni make NFL preseason debuts: Wohler, Allen, Mertz
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