Wisconsin Football OL Shows Cards on Potential NFL Draft Decision

Tanor Bortolini, the starting center for the Wisconsin football team throughout the Badgers season, has accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, indicating a probable entry into the 2024 NFL Draft. 

OFFICIAL! OL Tanor Bortolini @TanorBortolini from @BadgerFootball has accepted his invitation to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl! #OnWisconsin#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/bPrPwnrGpf

— Reese’s Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 13, 2023

Bortolini’s contribution to the Badgers’ offensive line over the last few seasons has been invaluable. The Kewaunee native appeared in 35 games across four seasons, starting 28, while providing unmatched versatility. 

Playing 1,974 career snaps, Bortolini could plug and play into seemingly any spot on the Badgers’ offensive line. He made starts at both left and right guard, right tackle, and most recently, center for Wisconsin football. 

The 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman received Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (Consensus) honors as a redshirt sophomore at guard and Third-Team All-Big Ten accolades this past season as the starting center.

Throughout his Wisconsin Badgers career, Bortolini allowed merely three sacks across 962 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, which was a testament to his capacity to adapt & deliver regardless of where he lined up along the offensive line. 

Wisconsin Football OL Appears Set to Enter the NFL Draft 

The decision by the University of Wisconsin football program’s offensive lineman to join the Reese’s Senior Bowl offers a strong hint about his likely transition to the NFL following four years with the Badgers.

Tanor Bortolini’s versatility across myriad positions along the offensive line has garnered praise and attention from league scouts, potentially enhancing his appeal to NFL evaluators.

Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, Jim Nagy, previously lauded Bortolini’s potential, describing him as one of the draft’s most versatile players due to his proficiency at multiple offensive line positions.

Although Bortolini hasn’t officially confirmed his intentions to forgo his final season of eligibility with the Wisconsin football team, the Senior Bowl invitation signifies a promising step toward making his NFL dreams a reality.

While Wisconsin football coaches await his final decision, the expected departure of Bortolini may see Jake Renfro stepping in as the center for the upcoming season.

Renfro, a Cincinnati transfer, missed most of the season due to injuries but is the top internal option to fill Bortolini’s shoes, with Joe Huber, the incoming freshman and any potential transfer portal addition, competing for snaps.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!