Posa plays through turf toe as Wisconsin preps for Penn State

Wisconsin linebacker Mason Posa intercepted a pass against Eastern Michigan while managing a turf toe injury he says will be fine for the Penn State game.

Wisconsin linebacker Mason Posa, a 2025 freshman All-American, intercepted a pass in the Badgers' 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan in Week 3 despite playing through a turf toe injury. The pick was Wisconsin's first interception of the 2026 season.

Posa acknowledged the injury affected him on the play. "I definitely thought I felt a lot slower on that pick for sure, but it's getting better," he said after the game. He added that he was worried before kickoff because of soreness and difficulty putting weight on his front foot, but said the adrenaline took over once the game began.

Coach Luke Fickell said turf toe can be a lingering issue that must be managed and that the key for a young player like Posa is learning how to handle practice during the week while being at his best on Saturdays. Fickell noted Posa has felt progressively better each week since sustaining the injury.

Posa played 29 of Wisconsin's 69 defensive snaps against Eastern Michigan, per Pro Football Focus, 10 fewer than fellow starting linebacker Cooper Catalano and his lightest workload since becoming a starter last October. Wisconsin opens Big Ten play next at No. 14 Penn State, and Posa said he will be "100% for Penn State."