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USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Wisconsin football wide receiver signs one-year contract with 49ers
Former Wisconsin Badgers' standout wide receiver Quintez Cephus signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. To accommodate Cephus on the roster, San Francisco's front office waived running back Israel Abanikanda, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move marks Cephus' first NFL opportunity since he suited up for the Houston Texans before the 2024 regular season. Cephus now joins a wide receiver room headlined by Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson and Equanimeous St. Brown. The departure of former star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders appears to have shifted general manager John Lynch's attitude at the position, prompting the 49ers to take a low-risk flyer on Cephus. Similar to his move with San Francisco, Cephus signed with Houston in July 2024 before the preseason. There, he flashed his offensive ability with six catches for 40 yards in three contests. Despite his strong performance, the Texans opted to release the former Badger before finalizing their 53-man roster. Before the stop in Houston, Cephus laced up with the Buffalo Bills in early 2024 and the Detroit Lions from 2020-23. He totaled 35 catches for 553 yards and four touchdowns during his first two professional campaigns before missing 2022 with an injury and 2023 due to a gambling suspension. Nonetheless, Cephus has displayed his ability to contribute as a pass catcher. During his tenure in Madison, the wideout reeled in 93 catches for 1,496 yards and 13 touchdowns in 37 appearances. In 2019, he accounted for a career-best 59 receptions for 901 yards and seven touchdowns. During the 2020 season with Detroit, Cephus lined up behind Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola as the team's No. 3 wide receiver. The one-year deal with San Francisco indicates that Cephus could contribute as a depth wide receiver. The 49ers are seeking a return to playoff contention, something the former Badger has yet to do as a professional. San Francisco begins its preseason on Aug. 9 against the Denver Broncos. 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
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL draft projections for Hunter Wohler, Jack Nelson, every former Wisconsin Badger
NFL draft projections for Hunter Wohler, Jack Nelson, every former Wisconsin Badger Only 15 days remain before the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. The event, set for April 24 to 26, will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, right in the Wisconsin Badgers' backyard. Wisconsin does not have any projected top draft prospects this season. It hasn't seen a player drafted in the first round since both T.J. Watt (No. 30) and Ryan Ramczyk (No. 32) went back in 2017. Furthermore, 2023 draftees Keeanu Benton (DL, Pittsburgh Steelers) and Joe Tippmann (C, New York Jets) are the program's only second-round picks since Jonathan Taylor (RB, Indianapolis Colts) back in 2020. That general draft drought coincides with the program's broader on-field struggles. Wisconsin is just 12-13 in two years under head coach Luke Fickell. If the current projections hold, the Fickell era is set to go its second consecutive draft without a player selected in the third round or higher. Of course, many of the departing players are holdovers from the Paul Chryst regime, with Fickell's recruits still advancing through the program. But Wisconsin's limited draft output reflects its larger on-field trend. With this year's draft fast approaching and several Wisconsin products hoping to hear their names called, here is where The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects each to be selected, if not signed afterward. 2025 NFL draft projections for every former Wisconsin Badger, per The Athletic Safety Hunter Wohler -- 5th round. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect at his position -- 5th round. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Jack Nelson -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 17 prospect at his position -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 17 prospect at his position Guard Joe Huber -- -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 13 prospect at his position -- -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 13 prospect at his position Edge rusher John Pius -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 57 prospect at his position -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 57 prospect at his position Wide receiver Bryson Green -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 60 prospect at his position -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 60 prospect at his position Defensive lineman Elijah Hills -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 64 prospect at his position -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 64 prospect at his position Cornerback R.J. Delancy -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 76 prospect at his position -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 76 prospect at his position Linebacker Jake Chaney -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 86 prospect at his position -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 86 prospect at his position Linebacker Jaheim Thomas -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 157 prospect at his position Former Wisconsin transfers: Quarterback Graham Mertz (via Florida) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 16 prospect at his position (via Florida) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 16 prospect at his position Wide receiver Chimere Dike (via Florida) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 18 prospect at his position (via Florida) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 18 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Logan Brown (via Kansas) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position (via Kansas) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Trey Wedig (via Indiana) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 24 prospect at his position Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
