For the first time since 1978, the Wisconsin Badgers had zero players taken in the NFL draft. Over 20 Badgers declared for the 2026 draft, but all went undrafted, and the few that could still make the league next season will have to rely on mini-camp invites and tryouts as undrafted free agents.
However, the Indianapolis Colts have just offered a lifeline to Wisconsin, possibly allowing them to be represented in the NFL next season after drafting eight players. One of them, wide receiver Deion Burks, was selected with the 254th overall pick in the final round, but it's a Wisconsin wide receiver who received that lifeline.
With the Colts needing depth behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs as their top two options, they got Burks, but they are indicating they're on the lookout for more depth. Badgers wideout Vinny Anthony II is expected to earn a tryout eventually, but he's not the only one. The Colts have already extended their hand to Jayden Ballard, but they might be competing with their division rival in the process.
Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans extend a mini-camp invite to undrafted Hoosiers WR Jayden Ballard
The Colts have offered undrafted Badgers wide receiver Jayden Ballard a minicamp invite, but so have the Tennessee Titans, who also drafted their own wideout in the draft, although their pick was much bigger than the Colts' at that respective position.Â
While the Colts selected Burks for depth, the Titans selected Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. Tate wasn't drafted for depth, but to start, and eventually take his place as the Titans' No. 1 target. The Colts have their No. 1 target in Pierce, with Josh Downs right behind him, and Burks' depth-chart spot is still uncertain.Â
Ballard's invite from the Colts means they're keeping their doors open to add further depth to their wide receiver room.
Ballard was once considered a four-star player and the No. 4 wide receiver in the nation back in 2021 with the Ohio State Buckeyes, before joining Wisconsin. However, in Ohio, Ballard fell massively short of expectations, catching just 11 passes for 177 receiving yards and one touchdown across 35 games from 2021 to 2024.
In his only season with the Badgers, Ballard tallied seven catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Ballard's significant fall took him out of the running to be a draft pick, and he will now have to earn a spot as an undrafted free agent.Â
The Colts will give him that chance, as will the Titans. Ballard won't tip the scales for either team, but a little competition between these two division rivals off the field is still worth paying attention to. Even with Tate and Burks heading to their respective NFL teams, both the Colts and Titans remain thin in their depth at wide receiver.Â
The Colts chose not to draft a wide receiver with more upside earlier in the draft, instead going primarily defense early, which they needed to do. That said, not adding a pass catcher earlier has left them with scraps to dig through, but Ballard will now at least have the opportunity to show what he brings to the table.Â
As for the Colts, they're clearly willing to take a look, and it's also clear they're not completely comfortable with their wide receiver room as it is.Â
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