Latest news with #WisconsinBadgers
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'American Ninja Warrior' Season 17 premieres June 2. What to know about Milwaukee's returning star, Taylor Amann
The lineup for "American Ninja Warrior" Season 17 is made up of new and veteran Ninjas, according to NBC Insider. One Ninja returning to the grueling obstacle-course show? Former Wisconsin Badgers pole vaulting superstar and Milwaukeean Taylor Amann. After winning "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness" with two teammates coming up on a decade ago, Amann competed on "ANW" four times, making it to the national finals once. Not being in "the best space mentally" when she last competed on Season 15, she said in a previous Journal Sentinel interview, she fell on the second obstacle of the qualifying course, which meant she wouldn't advance to semifinals. After that, Amann thought she had retired from her time as a Ninja. But then, she kept going "back-and-forth" on whether that was how she wanted to end her "ANW" career. "As a competitive person and someone who's been an athlete my whole life, I couldn't leave it at that," Amann said. Filled with nerves and excitement, Amann flew to Las Vegas in October for filming. To see if Amann made the cut, episodes of Season 17's Las Vegas qualifiers will begin airing on June 2 on NBC. Here's what to know about Amann and Season 17 of the sports-entertainment competition show: 29 years old. Amann is a Hartland native who lives in Milwaukee. Amann is a social media manager at The Weaponry, an advertising agency. Her side hustle: A photography business in which she captures weddings, couples, families, seniors and branding. As an influencer, she has brand deals with Wantable, which has included a collection of her picks, and BYLT Basics. Amann graduated from Arrowhead High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After competing and winning "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness" with two teammates in 2016, Amann went on to compete on "American Ninja Warrior" four times: Seasons 11, 12, 13 and 15. Season 17 will be her fifth attempt (not including "College Madness"). "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness": Won. "American Ninja Warrior": Season 11: Made it to the national finals. Season 12: Eliminated during the qualifying round. Season 13: Made it to the semifinals. Season 15: Eliminated during the qualifying round. Season 17: TBD. Last year, Amann started Ninja training again, which reminded her of "how fun it was," she said in a previous Journal Sentinel interview. That, paired with encouragement from her boss, she decided to give the obstacle course show another go. Amann applied to be a part of Season 17 at the last minute last summer. A couple weeks after submitting her "ANW" application video, Amann received a call from a show producer, inviting her to compete on the upcoming season. In general, Amann works out just about every day. She does HITT (high-intensity interval training) and circuit training focused on strength, with a little cardio. To prep for the show, she added in training at Ultimate Ninjas Oak Creek, where she practiced pull-ups, hanging, swinging and balance obstacles. She met the gym's owner, fellow "ANW" fixture Michael Silenzi, competing on the show a few years back. She also prioritized her "mental game," working on staying calm, focused, positive and confident, regardless of the obstacle at hand. That was "the toughest part," she said in our previous interview. "I've been an athlete my whole life. I like being competitive," she said. "It's just kind of like trusting what I can do. 'Cause as long as I'm training for it and working out every day, I know that my body's ready for it. It's just, my head could be holding me back. So, just staying positive about it." Amann started competing in gymnastics at 5 years old. She was a part of the Midwest Twisters Gymnastics, then competed for the Arrowhead High School team. She committed to pole vaulting after her junior year of high school. As a pole vaulter at UW-Madison, she became a three-time Big Ten champion and two-time All-American. According to NBC Insider, the show is hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman, along with sideline co-host Zuri Hall. "ANW" Season 17 will feature a lineup of new and veteran Ninjas; the return of some fan-favorite obstacles, including CannonBall Alley; and a few surprise format changes, according to NBC Insider. "This season is really looking at the future of Ninja but also celebrating the past ..." Iseman told NBC Insider. "We saw some upsets that you never would've predicted in a million years. And then we saw redemptions that just made your heart swell. So the season was filled with so many highlights and so many incredible moments." This season's prize? $1 million. "The path to victory will demand even more mind-boggling strength and jaw-dropping speed as these Ninjas are put to the ultimate test," NBC Insider reported. "From the inspiring Ninja stories to the high-flying leaps that take our breath away, Season 17 is bringing the heat." "American Ninja Warrior" Season 17 airs at 7 p.m. Mondays on NBC. The season premiere is June 2. Episodes steam on Peacock, NBC's streaming service, the day after they air. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: American Ninja Warrior Season 17: What to know, how to watch, Taylor Amann
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three Wisconsin Badgers land in PFF's list of the NFL's top edge rushers ahead of 2025
Three Wisconsin Badgers land in PFF's list of the NFL's top edge rushers ahead of 2025 A trio of former Wisconsin Badgers appeared on ProFootballFocus' list of the top 32 edge rushers ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Led by Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, PFF's list includes former Badgers T.J. Watt, Andrew Van Ginkel and Nick Herbig. Watt, who is entering his ninth season representing the Pittsburgh Steelers, landed at No. 3 on the hierarchy behind Garrett and Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Watt earned the No. 3 designation ahead of San Francisco 49ers great Nick Bosa and Detroit Lions rising star Aidan Hutchinson in the top 5. In 17 starts at left outside linebacker for Mike Tomlin's crew, Watt tallied 60 total tackles (40 solo), 27 quarterback hits, 19 tackles for loss, 11 1/2 sacks, a league-best six forced fumbles and four pass deflections. The former Badger pocketed his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, was named second-team All-Pro and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Patrick Surtain II (winner), Trey Hendrickson and Garrett. Watt has also led the NFL in sacks three times at linebacker as arguably the most consistent defensive player since he was first named a Pro Bowler in 2018. Here's PFF's analysis of the superstar ahead of the 2025 campaign: "Watt is best known for his pass-rushing prowess, which was on full display once again in 2024. His 90.1 PFF pass-rush grade marked the fifth time in six seasons he earned a grade of 90.0 or higher. He also took home PFF Run Defender of the Year honors last season, backed by a 1.63-yard average depth of tackle and a 3.2% negatively graded play rate, the lowest among all box defenders in the NFL." The second Badger to make an appearance on the ranking is Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who earned a one-year, $23 million contract extension on April 29 for his contributions for Brian Flores' defensive unit during the 2024 season. The Wisconsin product totaled 79 tackles, 18 for loss, 11 1/2 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and two pick-sixes a season ago, enough to pocket him a Pro Bowl nod, second-team All-Pro selection and No. 7 finish in Defensive Player of the Year ballots. The former Badger displayed glimpses of his dominance from 2019-23 with the Miami Dolphins prior to his 2024 output with Minnesota. His overall emergence is unexpected following his fifth-round selection in the 2019 NFL draft. Here's what PFF's staff had to say: "Van Ginkel reunited with former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in Minnesota and delivered the most productive season of his career, recording 50 pressures for the second straight year and a career-high 11.5 sacks. His pass-rushing numbers could have been even higher if not for his frequent coverage responsibilities — he dropped into coverage 212 times in 2024, by far the most among edge defenders. Still, with three pick-sixes over the past two seasons, it's a skill set the Vikings are wise to utilize." The third and final Badger to secure a spot on PFF's list is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig, a first-team All-Big Ten team member in 2022 and emerging playmaker behind Watt. In 13 total appearances, the Hawaii native tallied 22 total tackles (13 solo), 11 quarterback hits, 5 1/2 sacks, five tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. Following a strong preseason, Herbig flashed his brilliance early in the season, including a three-tackle, two-sack performance in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he doesn't draw the headlines like some of his teammates, Herbig is a versatile player on a loaded defense. "No player embodied the 'pass-rushing specialist' role better than Herbig in 2024. The second-year pro was elite in limited snaps, earning a 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade — fourth among 109 qualifying edge defenders. However, he struggled against the run, grading out at 48.2 (101st), and will need to improve in that area to move up this list next season." All three will look to build off what they accomplished during the 2024 campaign with strong individual outputs this fall. Pittsburgh begins its season on Sept. 7 against the New York Jets, and Minnesota kicks off on Sept. 8 in Chicago. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Updated Wisconsin football 2025 schedule with kick time, TV info for nonconference slate
Updated Wisconsin football 2025 schedule with kick time, TV info for nonconference slate Wisconsin's 2025 football schedule continues to gain clarity. The Badgers recently learned the kickoff times and television information for the first three games of the season -- their full nonconference schedule. That opening stretch precedes arguably the toughest conference schedule in the sport, let alone in just the Big Ten. Wisconsin is slated to face ESPN SP+'s No. 1, No. 7, No. 10, No. 19, No. 23 and No. 28 overall teams in Big Ten play. A road trip to Alabama (SP+'s No. 2 team) will be an apt preview for what faces Luke Fickell's team during its conference slate. Wisconsin itself ranks No. 37 in ESPN's latest SP+ update. That mark is also good for No. 10 in the Big Ten, narrowly edging 2025 opponents Washington (No. 39 overall) and Minnesota (No. 40). As we await kickoff information for the remainder of Wisconsin's 2025 schedule, here is an updated look at the announced dates, kickoff times and broadcast information. Wisconsin Badgers 2025 football schedule For more on each matchup, here are our latest game-by-game predictions. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three Wisconsin Badgers crack PFF's list of the NFL's top linebackers ahead of 2025
Three Wisconsin Badgers crack PFF's list of the NFL's top linebackers ahead of 2025 A trio of Wisconsin Badgers appeared on ProFootballFocus' list of the top 32 linebackers ahead of the 2025 NFL season on Wednesday. Headlined by San Francisco 49ers superstar linebacker Fred Warner, PFF's annual hierarchy included former Badgers Zack Baun, T.J. Edwards and Leo Chenal. Baun, who emerged as the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive anchor throughout their Super Bowl-winning 2024 season, earned the outlet's No. 2 designation behind Warner. He landed ahead of Washington Commanders veteran Bobby Wagner, Baltimore Ravens star Roquan Smith and Denver Broncos star Dre Greenlaw in the top 5. In 16 starts for the Eagles, the UW alumnus tallied 151 tackles, 11 for loss, five quarterback hits, 3 1/2 sacks, four pass deflections, five forced fumbles and an interception. The superstar-caliber performance earned him first-team All-Pro honors, as well as a spot on the Pro Bowl roster. The Brown Deer, Wisconsin, native was joined T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson and Patrick Surtain II (winner) as finalists for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Baun also accumulated 33 total tackles (20 solo), two tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one forced fumble across four playoff games, which included a team-best seven tackles (three solo) and a crucial interception in the Eagles' Super Bowl 59 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Baun's action-packed year culminated in a three-year, $51 million extension with Philadelphia, which is poised for another dominant defensive season with eyes on a second straight Lombardi trophy. Here's what PFF's staff said about Baun's place in the ranking. "Baun took the league by storm in his first year in Philadelphia. His 90.1 PFF overall grade last season was not only the best of his career, but also the highest mark in the NFL. The breakout season earned Baun a $51 million extension and a fifth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Another season with that type of production will have Baun vying for Tier 1 placement in 2026." The second former Badger to earn a spot on the list was Chicago Bears starter T.J. Edwards, who spent five years in Madison from 2014-18. The Lake Villa, Illinois, native landed at No. 10 on the hierarchy behind two division foes -- Detroit Lion Jack Campbell (No. 8) and Green Bay Packer Edgerrin Cooper (No. 9). Like Baun, Edwards signed a contract extension this offseason for his contributions during the 2024-25 campaign. His new deal is worth $10 million per year with $16.6 million fully guaranteed. Edwards has started 34 consecutive contests for the team dating back to 2023 and has registered 284 total tackles (170 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries in that time. In 2024 alone, Edwards finished with 129 tackles, 12 for loss, four sacks and two fumble recoveries. Here's PFF's analysis on Edwards ahead of his third season with the Chicago Bears: "While 2024 was a year of struggles for Edwards, who earned the lowest PFF overall grade (60.7) of his career, his long track record of quality all-around grades earns him a top-10 nod heading into 2025. Across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Edwards posted 74.0-plus PFF grades in all three major defensive facets. Even in a down 2024, Edwards charted in the 93rd percentile in box coverage grade (80.9). New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows a thing or two about getting the most out of his linebackers, which will be something to look forward to for Edwards." The final Badger to appear on the preseason list was two-time Super Bowl champion Leo Chenal. The linebacker has tallied 160 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, five sacks and three forced fumbles in three years with Kansas City. Last year, he recorded 60 total tackles and forced a career-best three fumbles en route to a third straight Super Bowl bid. With two trophies already positioned atop his list of NFL accomplishments, PFF believes Chenal has even more room for growth. "At just 24 years old, Chenal has proven to be one of the NFL's premier run-stuffing linebackers, having posted a 90.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of the past two seasons. However, he remains a part-time defender who played just over 500 snaps in 2023 and 2024, due to his struggles in coverage. Improvements in 2024 may point to an expanded role this season, which could push Chenal further up the list." Baun, Edwards and Chenal will all look to add to their impressive resumes when the 2025 season kicks off in September. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wisconsin basketball updated roster, projected lineup with John Blackwell's return
Wisconsin basketball received major roster news on Wednesday, as rising junior guard John Blackwell withdrew from the NBA draft and returned to the program. Blackwell had previously declared for the draft while maintaining his eligibility, also noting that if he were to return to college, it would be to Wisconsin. He did not crack any two-round mock draft projections over the last two months, portraying his place outside of the draft's top 60 prospects. That made the star guard's return a likely outcome throughout the pre-draft process. Advertisement With that decision now official, Wisconsin can finalize a 2025-26 team that projects as one of the Big Ten's best. Blackwell will be that team's lead option with All-American wing John Tonje off to the NBA. The 2025 Big Ten honorable mention guard averaged 31.2 minutes, 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a sophomore in 2024-25, while shooting 45% from the field and 32% from 3-point range. That production gave a glimpse of an NBA-level ceiling with further development. While he was not invited to the NBA combine or G League Elite Camp, his pre-draft process likely highlighted areas for improvement during the upcoming college season. A further breakthrough as the Badgers' top option will cement his status as a 2026 draft prospect. Blackwell's return is pivotal to Wisconsin basketball's chances in 2025-26. Here is the team's updated starting lineup and rotation projection with his return now finalized. Wisconsin Basketball Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Guard: John Blackwell (Junior) Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Advertisement Wisconsin's projected starting lineup is now finalized after Blackwell's decision. The unit projects as one of the best in the Big Ten, with two potential all-conference players in Blackwell and Winter, and three high-impact transfers. Among those transfers, Nick Boyd is a key player to watch entering the year, as he jumps to the Big Ten level after a strong multi-year run at Florida Atlantic (2020-24) and San Diego State (2024-25). Wisconsin beat several high-major programs for his transfer commitment. He joins the program with significant NCAA Tournament experience, having helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2023. Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) Guard Braeden Carrington (Senior) Forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Advertisement Wisconsin is still somewhat thin in the frontcourt. Bieliauskas will be tasked with a major role immediately, with an inexperienced sophomore in Riccardo Greppi and a true freshman in Will Garlock as the only other depth options at the position. Meanwhile, the team is loaded in the backcourt, with Janicki and veteran transfer Carrington as the rotation's sixth and seventh players, respectively. Incoming freshmen Kinziger and Jones are also promising prospects to watch. Look out, the 2025-26 Badgers could be one of the better teams of the Greg Gard era. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball projected rotation with John Blackwell's return
