Wisconsin outside linebacker Leon Lowery announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Sunday.
The news follows the Badgers’ season-closing loss to rival Minnesota. That result pushed the team to 5-7 on the season, eliminating it from postseason contention.
Lowery transferred to Wisconsin last offseason after four years at Syracuse. His transfer recruiting process was a rollercoaster — the veteran linebacker committed to the Badgers, quickly decommitted, and then committed again three days later.
Though he had emerged as a solid pass-rushing option at Syracuse, Lowery didn’t make much of an impact during his one year at Wisconsin. He finished the 2024 season with just 29 tackles (18 solo), one tackle for loss and one sack.
I’ll be planning to enter the transfer portal with 1 year of eligibility left. Thank you wisconsin for everything.
— Leon Lowery Jr (@leonlowery5) December 1, 2024
Wisconsin’s season was partially defined by its inability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. DL Elijah Hills led the team in sacks with three. Aside from him, top outside linebackers Lowery, Darryl Peterson, John Pius, Aaron Witt and Sebastian Cheeks combined for just 6.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
Lowery’s intention to enter the transfer portal, which officially opens on Dec. 9, is the first domino in what is sure to be a busy offseason of player movement at Wisconsin. Luke Fickell and his staff, including an offensive coordinator that has yet to be hired, are tasked with reversing the program’s current downward trajectory.
Experience and production at outside linebacker will be one obvious area of need when the offseason movement picks up.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.