Advertisement

Wisconsin football’s all-time sack leaders

ben kenney
·3 min read

The Wisconsin football program has produced terrific pass-rushing defensive linemen and linebackers at a surprising clip.

Yes, the existence of the Watt brothers helps the program’s case. But both T.J. and J.J. Watt will be in the NFL Hall of Fame, then add recent standouts including Leo Chenal, Keeanu Benton and Andrew Van Ginkel.

Wisconsin is often known for its running backs and offensive linemen. But the recent Dave Aranda and Jim Leonhard defenses have sent linebackers and pass-rushers to the NFL almost annually.

We’ve recently updated Wisconsin’s all-time rushing, passing and receiving lists.

Today, we’re back to take a look at the program’s all-time sack leaders. Believe it or not, neither Watt brother is on the list.

Here sthe program’s up-to-date all-time sack list:

10. Erasmus James

Erasmus James Wisconsin
A. Messerschmidt / Getty Images

Years at Wisconsin: 2001-2004

Sacks: 18.0

9. Vince Biegel

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Vince Biegel (47) during the Lambeau Field College Classic against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Vince Biegel (47) during the Lambeau Field College Classic against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2012-2016

Sacks: 20.5

T-7. Nick Herbig

Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) tackles Maryland Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) tackles Maryland Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2022

Sacks: 21.0 (tied for seventh)

T-7. Don Davey

Years at Wisconsin: 1986-1990

Sacks: 21.0 (tied for seventh)

6. John Favret

Dec 30, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Wisconsin Badgers helmet for the 2012 Rose Bowl at media day at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Wisconsin Badgers helmet for the 2012 Rose Bowl at media day at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 1996-2000

Sacks: 22.0

5. Wendell Bryant

Wendell Bryant Wisconsin
Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Years at Wisconsin: 1998-2001

Sacks: 24.0

4. Tim Jordan

Years at Wisconsin: 1983-1986

Sacks: 27.0

3. Mike Thompson

Years at Wisconsin: 1991-1994

Sacks: 28.0

2. Tom Burke

Years at Wisconsin: 1995-1998

Sacks: 32.0

1. Tarek Saleh

2 Nov 1996: Defensive lineman Tarek Saleh of the Wisconsin Badgers (left) blocks a Purdue Boilermakers player during a game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin won the game, 33-25.
2 Nov 1996: Defensive lineman Tarek Saleh of the Wisconsin Badgers (left) blocks a Purdue Boilermakers player during a game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin won the game, 33-25.

Years at Wisconsin: 1993-1996

Sacks: 33.0

Follow Badgers Wire

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

[lawrence-related id=70937,70839,70751]

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire