Key Highlights
- T.J. Watt, a former University of Wisconsin player and current Pittsburgh Steelers star, has maintained his high level of performance despite concerns about potential decline.
- Nick Herbig, another UW alum, has shown promise as the team’s best pass rusher so far this season.
- Keeanu Benton continues to contribute on the defensive line with career-best statistics.
- Former Packers player Dean Lowry is injured and on the Steelers’ injured reserve list.
T.J. Watt: A Hall of Fame Resume in Question?
In 2025, former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a matchup that has generated significant interest due to the legendary quarterback’s first return to Lambeau Field since his departure from Green Bay. However, the Steelers’ roster features other notable Wisconsin ties, including T.J. Watt, who continues to be one of the team’s most impactful players.
At 31 years old, Watt signed a three-year extension worth $123 million before the season began, solidifying his status as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Despite his financial commitment and previous accolades, questions have arisen regarding whether Watt has lost some of his effectiveness on the field.
During a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals, former Eagles star LeSean McCoy criticized Watt’s performance, stating that he hadn’t seen much pressure being generated despite facing a 40-year-old quarterback. McCoy’s comments reflect concerns about potential age-related decline in Watt’s performance.
Newcomer Nick Herbig: Rising to Prominence
While T.J. Watt continues to dominate, another Wisconsin Badger has emerged as a key player for the Steelers this season. Nick Herbig, a 23-year-old from Hawaii who joined the team in 2024, is making a significant impact on the defensive line.
In Week 6 against Cleveland, Herbig recorded two sacks, four quarterback hits, a defended pass, and six pressures, showcasing impressive offensive production.
His efforts have contributed to his standing as one of the team’s best pass rushers this season, with 4.5 sacks and six tackles for loss already on the year.
Herbig’s role has expanded from playing just half of defensive snaps in 2024 to now taking part in 69% of those snaps this season. Despite the Steelers’ struggles against the Bengals, coach Mike Tomlin cited their inability to control the run as a reason for using Herbig less frequently.
Other Wisconsin Alums: Keeanu Benton and Dean Lowry
While T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig are making headlines, other Wisconsin players on the Steelers’ roster continue to contribute in their own ways. Keeanu Benton, a 2025 alumnus from Janesville Craig, has started all six games this season with career-best statistics, including two sacks and five quarterback hits.
Dean Lowry, an ex-Packer who was acquired by the Steelers after sustaining an ACL injury in August, remains on injured reserve.
Similarly, Isaiahh Loudermilk, another former Badger, has been placed on injured reserve due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 against the Seahawks.
Additionally, Green Bay Southwest alumnus Max Scharping, who played in the first two games of the season, is also out for the year after suffering a torn ACL. These injuries highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Steelers as they navigate their current roster and prepare for upcoming matches against formidable opponents like the Packers.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Connection Continues to Be Notable
The presence of multiple Wisconsin Badgers alumni on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster in 2025 underscores the deep-rooted connection between the university and professional football. As T.J. Watt continues his impressive career, other players like Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton are stepping up to fill key roles within the team. The ongoing saga of Dean Lowry’s injury further highlights the complexities facing the Steelers as they navigate their current season.
The upcoming match against the Green Bay Packers will undoubtedly provide an exciting opportunity for these Wisconsin alumni to showcase their skills on a national stage, with fans and analysts eagerly watching how each player performs in this high-stakes matchup.
