Wisconsin linebacker Jake Chaney (1) tackles Purdue running back Devin Mockobee (45) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Purdue 52-6. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former Badgers linebacker signed to NFL roster after helping coach Wisconsin at fall camp

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Jake Chaney wants to get into coaching when his football playing career is done.

The former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker got a head start on that sideline role this fall, but then an NFL team came calling, and he was ready to strap the helmet back on.

The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of Chaney on Monday. They placed former Badgers safety Hunter Wohler on injured reserve as part of a series of corresponding moves.

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

Chaney had a tryout with the Colts earlier this offseason, and now they're bringing him in for a roster spot late in the preseason due to injuries.

While waiting for his NFL opportunity, Chaney had been back with the Badgers at fall camp, helping the team at practice from the sidelines.

At the time, Luke Fickell said the linebacker was still looking for his opportunity to play in the pros, and he would be ready to go the moment a team came calling.

"Jake’s one of us," Fickell said. "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."

Coming into Colts camp this late in the process makes it almost impossible for Chaney to stick on the team's 53-man roster this season.

LB Jake Chaney @JakeChaney9
University of Wisconsin (@BadgerFootball)
5115 228 no workout-groin

Exposure: Pre-season camp, Wisconsin

Chaney is one of the smartest LBs I've seen play the game. Was consistently a step ahead of the offense in camp. Size limits but will fight. pic.twitter.com/vPxQmIniUI
— Owen Riese (@RieseDraft) April 13, 2025

But he still has the opportunity to show them they should have signed him earlier, and he could stick around as a potential practice squad player or future injury replacement if more players miss time during the regular season.

And if his time in Indianapolis is cut short, he should have a home once again on the sidelines in Madison.

This article first appeared on Wisconsin Badgers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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