Former Wisconsin TE Jack Pugh Dies at 24

Former Wisconsin tight end Jack Pugh died at the age of 24, the Badgers football team announced on Tuesday night.

Per Mark Stewart of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Pugh was a 4-star prospect in the class of 2021 and chose to commit to Wisconsin over offers from schools such as Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland and Minnesota. He had only played football for his final two seasons in high school, but he still impressed enough to score offers from top Division I programs.

Pugh appeared in just one game over this three-year tenure with the Badgers and was away from the team due to personal reasons over the entirety of his final season on the roster in 2023. He announced his departure from the program on Instagram and cited a need to address his mental health.

"My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up. Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness," Pugh wrote at the time, per Stewart. "... I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole. I want to thank the amazing Coaches, Teammates, Friends and Family @badgerfootball has provided me with over the years for helping me find a life I'm happy and proud of, and to finally create a relationship with God. I'll never forget the memories. Love y'all."

Wisconsin's announcement revealed that Pugh was able to continue his education at the university after ending his playing career, and he earned his college degree in 2025.