One Badgers freshman earned a big honor on Wednesday.
Wisconsin Badgers freshman linebacker Mason Posa was named to the FWAA Freshman All-American team on Wednesday, becoming the first Badgers freshman since Braelon Allen in 2021 to earn the honor.
Posa, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025, broke out as a star in the making after making his first start against the Oregon Ducks. His impact was immediately felt as Wisconsin’s defense took a huge step forward and finished the year on a strong note, as Posa had double-digit tackles in three straight games.
Despite seeing significant snaps in only five games this year, Posa finished the season with 58 tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. That earned him All-Big Ten third team honors, which was quite impressive, given the number of snaps he played.
Here’s what UW Athletics shared in a statement:
“Wisconsin freshman linebacker Mason Posa earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors, announced on Wednesday morning.
“Posa becomes the first Badger to earn FWAA Freshman All-America honors since Braelon Allen in 2021. The last Badger defender to achieve the accolade was linebacker T.J. Edwards in 2015.
“Posa, the Badgers’ 2025 leading tackler, played in 11 games and made five starts at linebacker. He finished his freshman season with 61 tackles, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
“Posa made 11 stops, 2.5 sacks and forced and recovered a fumble in Wisconsin’s win over No. 23 Washington (Nov. 18). The forced turnover helped set up the Badgers’ only touchdown in the game. He also ended the game with a fourth-down sack, helping seal Wisconsin’s first win over a ranked team since 2021. Posa was named the Big Ten and Shaun Alexander Award Freshman of the Week for his performance.
“With the breakout display against Washington, Posa joined linebackers Leo Chenal and Andrew Van Ginkel as the last three Badgers to have 10+ tackles and 2.0+ sacks in a single game.
“After October 15, Posa led all Power 4 freshmen with 54 tackles during the remainder of the regular season. During the entire regular season, Posa led all Power 4 freshmen with an 89.8 PFF defensive grade.
“Posa will return for his sophomore season at Wisconsin, and the Badgers will open the 2026 slate against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 6.”
Quite the freshman season for the Badgers linebacker.
Category: General Sports
