Badgers' Posa, Catalano Named Bednarik Semifinalists
Two Wisconsin sophomore linebackers are among 18 semifinalists for the national defensive player award announced by the Maxwell Football Club.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football
The Maxwell Football Club named 18 Bednarik Award semifinalists on Tuesday, including Wisconsin sophomore linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano. They are the first Badgers to earn semifinalist honors since John Torchio in 2022.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the emergence of Wisconsin's defensive core in Madison, where both players joined the starting lineup in October. Wisconsin and Georgia are the only schools with two semifinalists, and five Big Ten players made the list.
The 18-player semifinalist list was chosen by Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head coaches, sports information directors and selected national media. Catalano's 90 tackles lead the Big Ten this season, while Posa's 73 rank fourth, though the stub does not provide final voting tallies.
The players
Mason Posa
A Wisconsin sophomore linebacker who ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 73 tackles and has been a starter since October 2025.
Cooper Catalano
A Wisconsin sophomore linebacker who leads the Big Ten with 90 tackles this season and has been a starter since October 2025.
Maxwell Football Club
The Philadelphia-based organization that administers the Bednarik Award and names its annual semifinalists and finalists.
The details
Posa and Catalano have the highest run-defense grades among Big Ten defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. The Badgers travel to Maryland on Saturday, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT.
Timeline
October 2025: Posa and Catalano joined Wisconsin's starting lineup.
Nov. 10: Maxwell Football Club announced the 18 semifinalists.
Saturday: Badgers play at Maryland, kickoff at 11 a.m. CT.
Nov. 24: Three Bednarik Award finalists will be announced.
Season Trajectory
Wisconsin's recognition marks the first Bednarik semifinalists for the Badgers since John Torchio in 2022, signaling a return of the program's defensive identity on the national stage. Their placement alongside Georgia, the only other school with two semifinalists, underscores how the Big Ten's linebacker depth is competing with the SEC's.
Fantasy and betting readers tracking Big Ten defensive leaders now have Catalano at the top of the conference tackle race and Posa in fourth. Wisconsin's Saturday trip to Maryland gives both linebackers a chance to add to totals that already rank among the best in the league.
The takeaway
Two sophomores becoming national award semifinalists in their first full starting seasons is a sign of sustained defensive development in Madison. Readers following the Bednarik race should watch the Nov. 24 finalist announcement.
What happens next
The three Bednarik Award finalists will be announced on Nov. 24, and Wisconsin plays at Maryland on Saturday with kickoff at 11 a.m. CT.
Further reading
For more on the Badgers' season, see Wisconsin Football coverage.
