NFL teams are finalizing their roster this week and Wisconsin Badgers supporters will have one more too root for after their former guard Joe Huber has been named to the 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings. Huber is one of seven undrafted free agents that made the team this season.
Minnesota Vikings, Joe Huber
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Congrats to the SEVEN #Vikings 2025 UDFA’s that made the 53 man roster:
• Max Brosmer
• Chaz Chambliss
• Joe Huber
• Elijah Williams
• Myles Price
• Ben Yurosek
• Austin Keys pic.twitter.com/swXXBpITlT
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 26, 2025
Huber’s path may have not been smooth but his approach to the game remained the same. He started as a walk-in player with Cincinnati and then worked his way up before moving to Wisconsin in 2023. He worked with head coach Luke Fickell with the Bearcats and followed him to UW in 2023 where he earned a scholarship.
His performance in the pre-season is one reason why fans were not surprised with his inclusion. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded player in the Vikings first pre-season game and continued that in the next ones.
USATSI 26862892
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) goes to block New England Patriots defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
According to PFF — Joe Huber was the BEST rookie run-blocker in the NFL preseason.
Once again, Wisconsin is OLU.
Article in replies. pic.twitter.com/j4Td77JEgZ
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) August 25, 2025
Another Wisconsin Badgers alum make NFL roster
Three former Badgers players were impressive in the pre-season games. Aside from Huber, his former teammate Hunter Wohler also stunned observers for the Indianapolis Colts although he was struck by misfortune as he will now be sidelined for the whole season due to a leg injury.
Jack Nelson has a different story as like Huber, he could make his NFL debut after getting named to the Atlanta Falcons’ 53-man roster.
Jack Nelson, Atlanta Falcons
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jack Nelson (69) shoves Dallas Cowboys linebacker Darius Harris (47) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nelson was picked 218th overall in April’s draft and was immediately signed to a four-year, $4.35 million deal.
Falcons now have a dire need for his talent after the team got plagued by injuries, particularly in the offensive line. Kaleb McGary and Storm Norton both suffered leg injury which means Nelson could be used in the right tackle.
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