Hunter Wohler, Hayden Rucci ponder whether to return to Wisconsin in 2024

MADISON – Hunter Wohler and Hayden Rucci have fashioned their most productive seasons at Wisconsin in 2023.

Both are set to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl when UW faces LSU on Jan. 1 in Tampa.

Both could enter the 2024 NFL draft after UW’s bowl game or return to Madison for the 2024 season.

Both players remain undecided regarding their future.

“I’ve put some thought into it,” said Wohler, a junior safety from Muskego High School. “I’ve had a lot of really good conversations. And between talking with coach and my parents and the other people who have been helping me, there’s still decisions to be made, conversations to be had.

“But this place means the world to me. Being able to play for the home state. Everything that comes with being a Badger is special.”

After being limited to six games last season because of a broken leg suffered in the opener, Wohler has started all 12 games this season. He enters the bowl game leading UW in solo tackles (73) and total tackles (113).

To put those numbers into context, Wohler played in a total of 19 game before this season and had 24 solo tackles and 37 total tackles.

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Rucci, a fifth-year senior tight end, could use the COVID exception to return for a sixth season in 2024. He was limited to six games in 2021 because of a foot injury but has started a total of 17 games and played in 22 over the last two seasons.

He has 10 catches for 112 yards this season, both personal highs at UW. He entered the season with six catches for 75 yards.

“I haven’t come to a final decision,” Rucci said. “And right now … LSU is going to be the main thing on my mind until we get past that.

“If it weren’t for the COVID year, then this would be no question my last season. But that COVID year adds a lot more possibilities. That is definitely a factor. Having my brother (Nolan, a redshirt sophomore) on the team is a huge factor.

“I haven’t even sat down and weighed all the factors so it is tough to say at this point. But there’s so many great things about this place that would lead me back here. But I’ve just got to figure out what to do next.”