Texas Tech had a record showing in the NFL draft and it was punctuated by Cole Wisniewski’s selection.
The safety from Sparta, WI., was the Red Raiders' final player chosen. He was taken in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 244th pick overall.
The selection gave Texas Tech nine draft selections. Two of those players are Wisconsin natives. The other is Skyler Gill-Howard, a graduate of Greenfield High School who was taken in the sixth round by Detroit.
Wisniewski played his high school ball for Sparta, which has never produced an NFL player.
USA TODAY, which gave the pick a B+, loves Wisniewski’s production. CBS Sports likes the move, too, just not as much. It gave the selection a B-.
Wisniewski played at North Dakota State for five seasons. He transferred to Texas Tech before the 2025 campaign.
Wisniewski received honorable mention all-Big 12 from the league’s coaches in 2025. He began his career as a linebacker but moved to safety before the 2022 season. He helped North Dakota State win the FCS national title in 2021 and was a member of ’24 national championship team but didn’t play that season due to injury.
He ranked third on Tech with 78 tackles and was an honorable mention all-Big 12 selection. He also made six tackles for a loss, broke up six passes and forced two fumbles for the Red Raiders.
Wisniewski was listed as 6-4 and 220 pounds for the Red Raiders last season.
Wisniewski wasn’t invited to the combine, but according to The Athletic posted these numbers at his pro day: bench press, 22 reps of 225; vertical jump, 36 ½ inches; broad jump, 10 feet 2 inches.
Wisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) and offensive lineman Evan Brown (64) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Harrison Bortolotti (32) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin wide receivers Malachi Coleman (16) and Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin wide receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) and defensive back Matthew Traynor (13) shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin tight end Jackson McGohan (87) blocks Wisconsin safety Matt Jung (29) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. \Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin tight end Grant Stec (85) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Deuce Adams (8) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive end Charles Perkins (30) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Djidjou Bah (90) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Arthur Scott III (96) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman DeNigel Cooper (93) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu (94) s shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Jacob Anderson (95) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Dillan Johnson (76) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin defensive lineman Russell Hammond IV (91) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Wisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.1 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.1 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.2 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.3 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.4 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) and offensive lineman Evan Brown (64) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.5 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Harrison Bortolotti (32) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.6 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin wide receivers Malachi Coleman (16) and Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.7 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin wide receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.8 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.9 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) and defensive back Matthew Traynor (13) shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.10 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.11 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.12 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.13 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin tight end Jackson McGohan (87) blocks Wisconsin safety Matt Jung (29) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.14 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. \15 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.16 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin tight end Grant Stec (85) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.17 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.18 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.19 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Deuce Adams (8) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.20 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.21 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.22 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.23 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.24 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.25 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.26 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive end Charles Perkins (30) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.27 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Djidjou Bah (90) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.28 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Arthur Scott III (96) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.29 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman DeNigel Cooper (93) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.30 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu (94) s shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.31 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Jacob Anderson (95) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.32 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.33 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Dillan Johnson (76) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.34 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin defensive lineman Russell Hammond IV (91) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.35 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.36 / 36Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall StadiumWisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sparta's Cole Wisniewski selected by Eagles in 7th round of NFL draft