Wisconsin Badgers fans were celebrating Hunter Wohler just last week after his great pre-season showing for the Indianapolis Colts but now, they are now distraught after reports confirmed that he will be out for the whole season due to foot injury.
Hunter Wohler, Indianapolis Colts
Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
There’s another UW guy that will cheer for though as Jake Chaney has been signed by the Colts. The inside linebacker is one of the three players signed by the team with around two weeks to go before the 2025 season opening.
Wohler, meanwhile has been placed on the injured list.
We have signed CB Xavien Howard, LB Jake Chaney and LB Joseph Vaughn.
We have also placed T Blake Freeland, LB Jacob Phillips and S Hunter Wohler on IR.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 18, 2025
USATSI 23433589
Wisconsin linebacker Jake Chaney (36) works against Sebastian Cheeks (15) during a pass coverage drill during the team’s final spring practice, which was held on the field north of Camp Randall Stadium on Thursday May 2, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Chaney joins Wohler and Jack Nelson as Badgers alum from the 2024 roster who are officially pro footballers. He played four seasons for UW and had his best year statistically last year.
Jake Chaney stayed ready while helping Wisconsin Badgers
Chaney’s vision of life after college football may have not panned out the way he expected but he stayed ready in case the opportunity knocks.
He also probably preparing for life if ever he don’t get to wear pads again.
Chaney spent the past month as volunteer coach for his alma mater, a move that head coach Luke Fickell fully supports.
“Well, he’s got his phone by his side, so you just never know,” Fickell told reporters late last month.
Luke Fickell
Oct 22, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell looks on the from the sidelines during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
“As you guys probably know, he wants to be a coach someday. And I’m not saying football’s over for Jake. But Jake’s one of us. If he’s not in a camp, he’ll be out here with us and continue to move forward with what life after playing the game of football looks like.”
This development is not only a win for Chaney. His time in the NFL might also come handy for the Badgers if ever he decides to become Fickell’s official deputy.
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