Report: Wisconsin lands visit with Ohio State transfer wide receiver, former top recruit

Another high-profile transfer visit for the Badgers

Wisconsin is set to host Ohio State transfer wide receiver Jayden Ballard on an official visit, according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

The Badgers recently landed their first two transfer commitments in the cycle, the latest from top tight end Tanner Koziol. Ballard joins the program’s growing list of visits and significant interests.

Related: Tracking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal offers, interests and commitments

The former Ohio State Buckeye was a former top recruit in the class of 2021, ranked as the No. 55 overall player in the class and No. 4 wide receiver. He was one of the top recruits in a Buckeyes class that finished the cycle ranked No. 2 in the nation — headlined by QB Quinn Ewers, DL J.T. Tuimoloau, DL Jack Sawyer, OT Donovan Jackson and WR Emeka Egbuka.

Ballard never rose to the top of the wide receiver depth chart during his time with the school. His most productive season came in 2022 — eight catches, 155 yards, one touchdown. His career numbers in four seasons are 35 games, 11 catches, 177 yards and one score.

He is in the portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

Wisconsin continues to target the wide receiver position after a pair of sub-par passing seasons under former coordinator Phil Longo. New OC Jeff Grimes is set to return the Badgers to a more pro-style approach. As seen most recently in 2019 with Quintez Cephus, that pro-style offense works best with top talents on the outside.

Ballard may not fit the exact bill of ‘top talent’ after struggling to produce at Ohio State. But sometimes, a change of scenery is all that’s necessary. That is what Wisconsin is hoping for by pursuing the former top recruit.

For more on Wisconsin’s portal activity this cycle, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

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