Wisconsin Football: Jack Sanborn & Jake Ferguson Returning for 2021

The Wisconsin Football program received some exciting news on Saturday as both Jack Sanborn and Jake Ferguson will return for the 2021 season.

This 2020 season for the Wisconsin Football program didn’t go as hoped. But the Badgers were able to finish the year on a high note by retaining the axe with a win over Minnesota and a Bowl victory over Wake Forest.

Despite the ups and downs that were experienced this year, there is a lot to be excited about when we look ahead to the 2021 season and beyond. Wisconsin received contributions from several young players this season, a few of which included Graham Mertz, Jalen Berger, Chimere Dike, and Nick Herbig. Their highly rated 2020 recruiting class will have a year of experience under their belts, the incoming 2021 class is the highest rated in program history, and the Badgers still have Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard leading the way.

In addition to all of that, the Wisconsin Football program received some more excellent news on Saturday, as standout players Jack Sanborn and Jake Ferguson announced that they would be returning for the 2021 season.

At linebacker, Sanborn is the heart and soul of this Badger defense, and it’s only a matter of time before he is playing on Sundays. For the second season in a row, Sanborn led the Badger defense in tackles, this time with 54, and he also totaled 21 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus ($), along with 23 run-stops and a sack.

The Draft Network has Sanborn ranked as the 116th overall prospect in the 2021 class and the 11th best linebacker. However, the NFL will have to wait another year. Via his Twitter account, Sanborn left  this message for Badger fans:

"“I love the University of Wisconsin and everything it has given me to this point. I believe there is a lot more work for me to do individually and for us as a team. That’s why I can’t wait to continue and see what is in store for my senior year.”"

The uber-reliable Ferguson will be returning for the 2021 season as well, which is a welcomed sight for a Wisconsin offense that struggled to move the ball this season–especially through the air. Ferguson led the team with 30 receptions for 305 yards — an average of 10.2 yards per catch — with four touchdowns. Mertz also had a passer rating of 120.8 when targeting his favorite tight end.

Ferguson was the 138th ranked prospect in the 2021 class by The Draft Network and the sixth-best tight end. Like Sanborn, Ferguson left a heartfelt message for Badger fans on Twitter, announcing that he would be back for one more season:

"“These past four years of being a Badger has been a blessing and full of moments I will cherish forever,” Ferguson wrote. “Whether it was winning the Axe, all the different bowl game experiences, or even just the simple trips with the O-Line to Chilis, I can’t imagine myself being anywhere else or with any other group of teammates, coaches, and fans.After a lot of self-reflection and talking with my family, I’m excited to announce that I have chosen to stay for my fifth year and play football at the University of Wisconsin. I believe my time at Wisconsin is not finished yet and also gives me the opportunity to graduate from one of the greatest universities. And for those keeping tabs, there will be one more year of #BarrysGrandson.Let’s go to work. On Wisconsin.”"

In addition to Sanborn and Ferguson announcing their returns, we would also learn that cornerback Faion Hicks will be back as well. This season, Hicks allowed only 12 receptions on 29 targets for a completion rate of just 41.4 percent and gave up only one touchdown pass.

With Rachad Wildgoose having already declared for the NFL Draft and not knowing whether or not Caesar Williams will be back or not, Hicks’ decision to return for his senior season is a big boost for the Wisconsin secondary.