Former Wisconsin football offensive tackle declares for NFL draft

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Former Wisconsin offensive lineman Nolan Rucci declared for the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday.

The veteran tackle recently concluded his fifth season of college football. He originally joined the Badgers as a five-star recruit in the class of 2021. He was specifically ranked as the No. 17 overall player in the class, the No. 5 offensive tackle and the top recruit from Pennsylvania.

Rucci then appeared in six games over three seasons with the Badgers. Much of that action was spent as a reserve lineman. His highlight moment came during the team's road triumph over Illinois in 2023, when he caught a game-winning touchdown from Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke.

Rucci entered the transfer portal following the 2023 campaign, eventually committing to Penn State. He would appear in 28 games over two seasons with the Nittany Lions, including six impactful starts at right tackle during the team's run to the College Football Playoff semifinal in 2024.

"My journey to Penn State wasn’t a straight line, and that made my time here even more meaningful," Rucci wrote on X. "The last two seasons in Happy Valley gave me the opportunity to grow and develop as a player while wearing the Blue and White, and I’m grateful Penn State gave me that chance…I’m grateful for every step of my football journey, from my days at Warwick under Coach Locker and his staff to my time in Madison with Coach (Paul) Chryst, his staff, and my teammates at Wisconsin…Most importantly, thank you to my family. You’ve been with me every step of the way and continue to be my mentors. Getting the opportunity to compete as a fellow athlete at my parents’ alma mater is something I’ll always be grateful for."

While early in the draft process, current projections have the former Badger and five-star recruit as a Day 3 pick.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin transfer offensive tackle Nolan Rucci declares NFL draft

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