Badgers' Wohler and Hallman named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list

Wisconsin has two of the best defensive players in college football.

Nov 11, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) celebrates following a play during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Badgers football team's dynamic defensive back duo of Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman have both been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.

Double the trouble.@HunterWohler and @ricardohallman6 are on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, presented annually to the 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 as judged by @MaxwellFootball. pic.twitter.com/Qscu7hby3p

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 12, 2024

Awarded annually to the top defensive player in college football, regardless of position, Wohler and Hallman are the only two Wisconsin players on the list.

Entering his fourth year with the Badgers program, Wohler is viewed as one of the best safeties in the country. He led all Big Ten defensive backs with 120 total tackles last season and ranked as the fourth-best safety on the new EA Sports College Football 25 video game.

Hallman is coming off a season where he reeled in seven interceptions, which were tied for the most in the country and the most by a Badgers player since 2007. He is viewed as one of the best cornerbacks in the country heading into 2024.