Senior safety Wilder plans to return to Wisconsin next season

MADISON – Wisconsin’s roster includes 19 players who could exercise the option of returning to play football in 2021 thanks to the NCAA’s decision that any player who participates this season will not lose a year of eligibility.

On Tuesday, safety Collin Wilder became the first UW player to announce he plans to return next season.

“It was kind of a journey for me,” Wilder said during a Zoom session. “At the beginning of the season I was thinking: ‘OK, I’m going to have the best season of my life this year and then, God willing, have a chance to get drafted.’ ”

The 2020 season, which included three cancellations because of COVID-19, has not unfolded the way the UW players envisioned.

“Just the way this season has gone … for my own situation, I don’t think it is the best way for me to go out,” said Wilder, who received his degree Sunday in communication arts. “Plus, I think it could do nothing but help my draft stock coming back. I’m definitely coming back.”

That decision means UW should return two of its top three safeties next season – Wilder and Scott Nelson. Senior Eric Burrell, who recently received his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis, has intimated he plans to turn pro.

It remains unclear whether Reggie Pearson will return. Pearson started 13 of 14 games as a redshirt freshman last season but has not played this season because of an unspecified medical condition. He is still listed in the UW student directory.

“I’ve enjoyed growing in this role this year with this team,” said Wilder, who ranks third on the team in tackles with 21. “I just feel like I’d be selling myself short if I didn’t come back. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that. I think it can do nothing but help me and help this team.”

Tailback Garrett Groshek, a fifthyear senior tailback who graduated with a degree in personal finance and got married in July, said Tuesday he had yet to make a decision.

UW players honored

Senior offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen,

redshirt junior tight end Jake Ferguson and redshirt junior guard Logan Bruss were named to the Big Ten allconference team on Tuesday.

Van Lanen was a first-team pick by the coaches and a second-team pick according to the media. Ferguson was a first-team pick according to the media and a second-team pick by the coaches. Bruss was a consensus third-team pick.

Fullback Mason Stokke and offensive tackle Tyler Beach were honorable mention by the coaches.

Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder says the way the season played out helped make his decision to return to UW next season.