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The Badgers just got the No. 1 punter in the country, so let’s go back deeper into their past.
With the Wisconsin Badgers landing the No. 1 punting prospect in the 2025 class this week, it’s the perfect time to pivot to the next entry in my football Mt. Rushmore series: Punters.
This might not generate quite the same levels of vibrant debate as running back, fullback, quarterback, or even kickers have, but it’s a worthy pursuit nonetheless.
As always, my Mt. Rushmores have a modern bias built in as well as a lean toward full-time punting duties, but as you’ll see, I haven’t forgotten about a certain Badger legend from the 50s/60s.
Here’s to Coffin Corners and robust averages.
Kevin Stemke
A 2018 UW Athletic Hall of Fame inductee (the only punting exclusive member), 2000 Ray Guy Award winner, and 2000 All-American, Stemke is the unrivaled GOAT in Wisconsin punting history.
His 43.7 average ranks No. 1 all-time and he boasted an absurd 44.8 per boot in 2000. Welcome to your mountain, Kevin!
Brad Nortman
Nortman had a booming leg, averaging 42.1 per punt on his career, good for 5th in Badger history.
But, for my money, Nortman’s biggest moment was selling a running into the kicker penalty to seal Wisconsin’s 2011 Big Ten Championship. Running a fake for a clutch first down in a win at Iowa in 2010 also ranks highly.
Nortman parlayed his unique skill set into an impressive six-year NFL career where he averaged over 45 yards per kick.
Ken DeBauche
While his name might not sit on the top of many lists, the fact is that DeBauche was outstanding for the Badgers as a four-year starter, leaving Madison with a 42.5-yard average, good for third in Badger history behind only Stemke and Andy Vujnovich.
He was a First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All-American in 2005, and is tied for the all-time single-season Wisconsin punting average at 44.8 yards.
Jim Bakken
Bakken averaged a robust 42.4 per punt (fourth all-time in Badger history) and was also an outstanding kicker, later becoming a four-time Pro Bowl member at that position in a 16-year NFL career.
He had a 90-yard punt vs Northwestern in 1960, the longest in Badger history, and led the Big Ten in punting average twice thanks to a booming leg.
Bakken is also a two-sport member of the UW Athletics Hall of Fame (football and baseball). Just an absolute legend.
Just Missed: Scott Cepicky, Pat O’Dea.
Honorable Mention: Andy Vujnovic, Sam Veit.