The Wisconsin Badgers football team is actively working to enhance its defensive line through the transfer portal. Recently, Micheal Garner, a transfer from Grambling State, announced his commitment to the Badgers on social media shortly after his official visit to Madison. Garner stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 280 pounds; during his redshirt freshman year with the Tigers, he achieved 11 tackles, 11 pressures, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and forced a fumble. A native of Chicago, he has participated in 14 games at Grambling State, accumulating 243 snaps on the field.
Previously a three-star recruit in the 2023 class, Garner did not receive any scholarship offers from major conference programs but did attract interest from schools such as Akron, Central Michigan, Eastern Illinois, Miami (Ohio), and Navy. In the 2024 season, according to Pro Football Focus, Garner recorded a 71.3 pass-rushing grade and a 68.5 overall defensive grade, ranking in the 73rd percentile nationally for pass-rushing in true pass-rush scenarios.
Garner, who redshirted in 2023, offers a compelling combination of size and athleticism to the Badgers’ front seven. Initially a promising basketball player, he shifted to football and quickly demonstrated his capabilities. Head Coach Luke Fickell emphasized the need for bigger players on the defensive line, stating that this will be a key focus in their recruitment strategy.
With Garner’s addition, the Badgers have now brought in four defensive linemen from the transfer portal this offseason, alongside Parker Petersen (Tulane), Corey Walker (Western Michigan), and Charles Perkins (UT-Martin). He may also serve as a stand-up edge rusher in Wisconsin’s defensive scheme. Garner opted for Wisconsin over offers from schools like Colorado, UAB, and Coastal Carolina, and has three years of eligibility left, making him a potential foundational player as the team rebuilds its defense after a challenging season.
The Badgers recognized the need for reinforcements in the defensive line, especially after the departures from the 2024 roster. Elijah Hills, a key player, has finished his eligibility, and other important contributors including James Thompson, Curt Neal, Hank Weber, and Jamel Howard have transferred out. While there’s a possibility for Ben Barten to return for a sixth season, Brandon Lane and Dillan Johnson are expected back. Additionally, the defensive line has been strengthened by the signing of Torin Pettaway, Drayden Pavey, and Xavier Ukponu in the upcoming 2025 recruiting class.
Overall, the Badgers have been very active in the portal this offseason, securing 15 new transfers while losing 25 players from their own roster. Garner’s commitment represents a significant step in their efforts to enhance the team.
