Wisconsin Adds Wrestler, Son of WWE Legend, as Walk-On
The Wisconsin Badgers have added a unique name to their football program, one with ties to professional wrestling. Luke Hager, the son of WWE legend Jake Hager—better known by his wrestling persona, Jack Swagger—has joined Wisconsin as a walk-on. While his father made his name in the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, Luke is looking to carve out his own path on the football field.
This addition is a fascinating one for Wisconsin, as Hager brings a blend of wrestling toughness and football potential to the team. His father’s background in collegiate wrestling and professional combat sports has clearly influenced his athletic career, but now, the younger Hager will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
A Wrestling Legacy with Strong Ties to Football
Jake Hager, Luke’s father, is best known for his success in WWE, where he became a World Heavyweight Champion and gained recognition for his powerful, technical wrestling style. Before stepping into the professional wrestling world, Jake Hager was an elite amateur wrestler at the University of Oklahoma. In 2006, he earned All-American honors while setting a school record for the most pins in a season.
Following his WWE career, Hager transitioned into mixed martial arts, competing in Bellator, where he remained undefeated. His wrestling background and combat sports experience made him one of the most physically imposing athletes to make the jump from WWE to MMA.
While Luke Hager has not pursued professional wrestling or MMA like his father, he does have a strong wrestling background, which has played a role in his development as an athlete. His experience in wrestling has helped shape his physicality and toughness—both of which are crucial traits for a football player, especially in the trenches.
Hager’s Athletic Background and Fit with Wisconsin
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing approximately 250 pounds, Luke Hager has the size and frame to play as a defensive lineman at the collegiate level. While he was not a highly sought-after football recruit, his wrestling background gives him an edge when it comes to hand placement, leverage, and body control—skills that translate well to football, particularly in the physical style of play that Wisconsin is known for.
The Wisconsin Badgers have built their football identity around toughness and physicality, making them an ideal landing spot for a player like Hager. Wisconsin has a history of developing overlooked prospects into contributors, and Hager will have a chance to prove himself in a competitive environment.
As a walk-on, Hager will have to work his way up the depth chart, but Wisconsin has shown in the past that hard-working players, regardless of their recruiting status, can earn significant roles. If Hager can develop under the Badgers’ coaching staff and adjust to the demands of Big Ten football, he could eventually see playing time in goal-line or short-yardage defensive situations where strength and technique are paramount.
The Walk-On Journey and Potential NIL Opportunities
While walk-ons typically face an uphill battle when it comes to earning playing time, Hager’s name recognition and athletic pedigree could help him stand out. The rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities in college sports also presents an interesting angle for Hager’s career. With his father’s success in WWE and MMA, there is a built-in audience that could make Luke an attractive figure for potential endorsement deals—especially if he can make a name for himself on the field.
Additionally, his connection to WWE could open doors beyond football, should he decide to follow in his father’s footsteps in the future. The crossover appeal between wrestling and football has been well-documented, with several former football players—including Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar—going on to have successful WWE careers.
What’s Next for Hager?
For now, Luke Hager’s focus will be on adjusting to college football and proving himself in Wisconsin’s system. His journey from a wrestler with a famous last name to a potential contributor for the Badgers will be an interesting storyline to follow.
If he can successfully transition his wrestling skills to the football field and develop under Wisconsin’s coaching staff, he may have a chance to work his way into the rotation. Regardless of how his football career unfolds, his background, work ethic, and family legacy make him a compelling addition to the Wisconsin program.
Hager’s path is just beginning, but his unique athletic background and connection to one of wrestling’s most well-known figures make him a player worth watching as he takes his first steps in college football.