Tanor Bortolini, Jack Nelson must decide whether to enter NFL draft or return to Wisconsin
Jeff PotrykusMADISON – Tanor Bortolini is Wisconsin’s most versatile offensive lineman, having worked at three positions.
Jack Nelson is UW’s most experienced offensive lineman.
Where will Tanor Bortolini and Jack Nelson be playing in 2024?
Both redshirt juniors plan to seek feedback from a variety of sources before they decide whether to enter the 2024 NFL draft or return to UW next season.
“Obviously, if you don’t play well that door’s not going be open,” Bortolini said of jumping to the NFL. “I’ve been focusing this year on playing well and focusing on what I can do as a player to get better.”
Ditto for Nelson.
“It is something I haven’t given much thought to yet,” he acknowledged. “After the season that is something me and my family and the coaches will discuss. Absolutely.”
Bortolini has started all 12 games at center this season. He has started 28 games and played in 34 at UW. He has started at guard, center and tackle. Bortolini on Wednesday was named a third-team all-conference pick by the media and honorable mention by the coaches.
Nelson has started all 12 games at left tackle this season. He has started 37 games and played in 38 at UW. Nelson started 13 games at right guard in 2021 but moved to left tackle before the 2022 season.
Right guard Michael Furtney is the lone starter whose eligibility expires after this season. Furtney, the starter at right guard for all 12 games, has 24 total starts.
Badgers could field a veteran offensive line in 2024
If Bortolini and Nelson return for the 2024 season, UW could have four of its five starters on the line back. They would join right tackle Riley Mahlman and left guard Joe Huber, both of whom have started all 12 games this season.
Redshirt junior Jake Renfro, expected to challenge for the starting center position until injuries struck, should be back. He has not played this season and missed last season at Cincinnati after suffering a knee injury in camp.
Offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. rotated redshirt junior Trey Wedig in at both guard spots early in the season but gradually cut those reps down. Bicknell has gone with a five-man unit for most of the second half of the season.
UW’s players and coaches should learn their bowl destination on Sunday. UW is projected to play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Then Bortolini and Nelson and likely other players will have to decide whether to return UW or pursue a shot at the NFL.
Two other players have already decided to leave UW.
Reserve center Dylan Barrett and reserve quarterback Myles Burkett announced Wednesday they plan to transfer.
Barrett, a redshirt junior, was the team's No. 3 center. Burkett, a graduate of Franklin High School, was the No. 3 quarterback but did not play this season.
Barrett has two seasons of eligibility remaining; Burkett has three seasons remaining.
“Hopefully it is a decision I’m going to have down the road,” Bortolini said of the NFL option, “and I’m excited to have that opportunity. But it is something that is still open and a lot of conversations will be had.”
Nelson plans to seek the opinions his family members, the UW coaches and the NFL.
“And my general feeling for what I want to do,” Nelson said. “What is best for not only me, but for this program and my family. There is nothing I love more than being here. I owe a ton to this program and for what it has given me. There is nowhere I’d rather be on earth than here.”
