Badgers LB Edwards returning for senior season

Published Jan. 2, 2018 2:04 p.m. ET

MADISON, Wis. -- All-American linebacker T.J. Edwards is returning to Wisconsin for his senior season, buttressing a defense losing many other key contributors.

Edwards posted his decision on Twitter on Tuesday. He had sought input from the NFL draft advisory board on whether to leave after his standout junior year.

"I couldn't be more excited for my senior season at Wisconsin!" Edwards said.

The inside linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range helped spearhead one of the top defenses in the country. The sixth-ranked Badgers (13-1), who set a school record for wins, also return Ryan Connelly and Chris Orr to form a playmaking inside linebacker group.

But Wisconsin faces heavy losses in the secondary, as well at outside linebacker and defensive line.