Wisconsin Badgers Football: Alum Hunter Wohler Making A Case for Most Intriguing Rookie of 2025 as He Impresses in Practices 1 Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers: Former DB Hits IR, Colts Sign Strong 2024 Standout Teammate to Fill Void

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:36 PM ET

Two former Wisconsin Badgers standouts are now teammates once again after the Indianapolis Colts announced a new signing at linebacker.

Hunter Wohler, a former leader and top safety for the Badgers, suffered a foot injury in just his second preseason game with the Colts that has been deemed season-ending. Wohler was drafted in the seventh round this year and had been largely impressive for the Colts despite being a late round selection. The injury to Wohler along with other minor injuries on the te am led to a flurry of signings which included a familiar name.

Jake Chaney, a former standout linebacker for the Badgers, had been working alongside the Wisconsin staff when a sudden phone call led to him signing with the Colts. Chaney did not hear his name called during the draft but had been practicing and waiting for some sort of contract to materialize with an NFL franchise. The linebacker had a workout with the Colts last week as well which helped give the staff a much closer look at what can be offered on the field.

Former Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Back Hunter Wohler Suffers Injury Forcing the Indianapolis Colts to Sign Jake Chaney

While the former Wisconsin Badgers duo do not necessarily play the same position, Chaney will provide valuable depth at linebacker that the Colts are in need of. Although, the loss of Wohler will truly sting as the versatility and success at both linebacker and safety gave the Colts staff plenty of options.

Through the preseason, Wohler recorded 11 tackles with seven being solo and nine tackles coming in his first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. The safety had been very strong and left a void that even Chaney may only be able to partially fill.

Wisconsin Badgers: Former 2024 Starting LB With Staff While Awaiting Big NFL Opportunities 3 Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jake Chaney (36) and Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) tackle LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

The former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker started ten games for the team last season and finished fourth on the team with 55 tackles. Two seasons ago, Chaney put together his best collegiate season, finishing second on the team with 80 tackles in 13 games.

Chaney also recorded three sacks and a career-high 11 tackles in a single game during the 2023 season. The linebacker finished his Wisconsin Badgers career with 174 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble after playing in 45 games and making 21 starts for the program.

Chaney saw his production dip a season ago along with the entire Wisconsin Badgers defense including fellow Colts defender Wohler. Between the dip in production and being undersized at the NFL level, Chaney went undrafted, but now has a chance to prove himself and earn a spot in the NFL during the upcoming season.

Wisconsin Badgers: Former 2024 Starting LB With Staff While Awaiting Big NFL Opportunities 2 Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (6) makes a reception between Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and linebacker Jake Chaney (1) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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