Since the conclusion of its 2024 season in late November, Wisconsin football has been active in the transfer portal.
In that time, 24 scholarship players have left the program, bringing the total number of entries in the portal to 27, including walk-on kicker Nate Van Zelst, along with two players—kicker Gavin Lahm and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna—who have rejoined the team.
Relocation is common in the current college football landscape. This movement could prove advantageous after the Badgers finished 5-7 in 2024, missing out on a bowl game for the first time in 23 years.
As many players have departed, including several starters, a significant number have also joined the ranks. Wisconsin has successfully recruited 17 transfers—16 on scholarship and one walk-on—addressing crucial roster gaps in positions such as quarterback, tight end, defensive line, and safety. Although cornerback remains a pressing need, head coach Luke Fickell and his team are effectively securing sought-after transfer prospects, and it is likely that this remaining need will be fulfilled before the transfer window closes in January.
Wisconsin’s transfer acquisitions are mainly divided into two categories: experienced veterans with one year of eligibility and promising younger players with potential for future growth. While some veterans are expected to contribute in 2025, several younger players could assume significant roles by 2026 and beyond.
With this in mind, we are providing an overview of Wisconsin’s transfer portal class so far, ranking all 16 scholarship commitments based on their projected impact in 2025:
Stein, who started 23 games for Arkansas from 2022-23, earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022 and appeared on two Patrick Mannelly Award watch lists (2023, 2024). After losing his starting position last season, he entered the portal and is anticipated to take over long-snapping duties for the Badgers, replacing Cayson Pfeiffer, who is exhaustively out of eligibility. Due to the unique nature of his position, he ranks lower on this list, despite being a write-in starter for 2025.
Garner, arriving after posting 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble at Grambling State in 2024, adds depth to the defensive front as a projected edge rusher. He is classified as a promising addition, with three years of eligibility remaining, and is viewed as having substantial potential, albeit he may not be an immediate contributor.
Turner, who had a standout season at Western Carolina with 61 tackles (26 solo), two pass deflections, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2024, is Wisconsin’s only inside linebacker recruit thus far. He will compete for a starting spot against returning player Christian Alliegro and newcomer Tackett Curtis. While Turner could make an impact if he earns the starting role, moving up from the FCS level presents challenges.
Jung, after showcasing impressive stats at Bethel, including 109 tackles and nine interceptions in 2024, is a compelling prospect making a leap from D-III to the Big Ten. He’s likely to be part of the starting safety unit but may face initial hurdles transitioning to this higher level.
Ballard, who joins the Badgers following four years at Ohio State, embodies a low-risk, high-reward transfer candidate. He was initially a top recruit but had limited success at Ohio State, with 11 receptions and 177 yards. With playing time available at outside receiver, he possesses the potential to significantly impact the team.
Perkins, a multi-year standout at UT-Martin, recorded notable statistics prior to joining the Big Ten. At 6’3″ and 300 pounds, he adds depth to the defensive tackle position but may start off as a backup in 2025, affecting his ranking.
Traynor and Jung present comparable profiles heading into 2025. Traynor, transferring from Richmond, had a productive redshirt freshman season. While Jung has a year more experience, Traynor’s transition from a closer level to the FBS might warrant a higher ranking.
Fearbry is another addition with considerable upside, having been a top recruit in 2022. However, his production in 2024 did not match his potential. He joins a position of need for Wisconsin and, if he performs well, could rise significantly in the rankings.
Hamper, one of Wisconsin’s four-star recruits, had a remarkable 2024 season with 48 receptions and nearly 1,000 yards. With three years of eligibility remaining, he is expected to make an immediate impact, though the comparison of his role to other critical positions like quarterback may complicate his ranking.
