Wisconsin · Big TenMason Posa says he’ll be healthy for Penn State
The Wisconsin linebacker played through turf toe against Eastern Michigan, while Luke Fickell said the injury must be managed through the practice week.
SEP 22, 2026
Penn State’s unbeaten record
Wisconsin’s record entering the upset bid
Wisconsin’s Eastern Michigan win in which Posa intercepted a pass
01 · The NewsMason Posa expects to be healthy for Penn State
After intercepting a pass in Wisconsin’s 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday, linebacker Mason Posa said his turf toe is improving and expects to be 100% for Penn State on Saturday, Sept. 26.
“I definitely thought I felt a lot slower on that pick for sure, but it's getting better,” Posa said.
Posa has been playing through the injury, and Wisconsin has not disclosed its severity or whether he will be listed as limited or fully healthy against Penn State. The issue is not simply whether he can take the field; it is whether his feet allow him to move at his usual speed.
“Some of those guys with turf toe – I don't know that it's ever going to go away. It's something that you have to be able to manage, but you got to be able to be at your best on Saturday. As a younger guy like him, figuring out what that looks like on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I think is what's real important,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said.
Fickell’s point puts the focus on Wisconsin’s practice week as much as the game-day designation. Posa’s interception against Eastern Michigan showed he can contribute through the injury; his own description of feeling slower showed the cost.
Wisconsin plays at Penn State at 5 p.m. ET Saturday. The Badgers need Posa available, but they need him moving well enough to matter against a 3-0 opponent.
02 · The StakesWhy It Matters
That speed will matter against unbeaten Penn State. Wisconsin is 2-1, while the Nittany Lions are 3-0, and Posa’s ability to accelerate and change direction in coverage and pursuit could affect the Badgers’ chances of disrupting Penn State’s start and pulling a major Big Ten upset. Josh Pate’s preseason bracket put Penn State at No. 7 in the playoff field, making the game a test of a path Wisconsin could damage with a win.
“I definitely thought I felt a lot slower on that pick for sure, but it's getting better”
Mason Posa03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Posa change direction at full speed?
Watch whether he moves normally in coverage and pursuit against Penn State.
How does Posa look during the practice week?
His practice work will help show whether the turf toe is manageable enough for him to be at his best Saturday.