Christian Bell on Friday announced his decision that he was transferring from Wisconsin through his Twitter account.
Bell, who still had one year of eligibility remaining was expected to compete for one of the starting outside linebacker spots opposite of Noah Burks.
Bell’s 2019 stats may not stand out as he only appeared in seven games recording four tackles (three solo) and one sack.
But Bell’s lone sack of the year was against Purdue, which came on a key fourth down stop in the third quarter, which helped prevent the Boilermakers from potentially cutting Wisconsin’s lead to a touchdown.
He also had a critical tackle in the game against Minnesota when he was able to tackle Mohamed Ibrahim after a 36-yard gain to Wisconsin’s 22-yard line. It appeared Ibrahim was going to score a touchdown and tie the game at 17 but thanks to Bell’s hustle the Badger defense was able to hold Minnesota to a field goal instead.
Wisconsin has the depth and talent to absorb the transfer of Bell but the remaining outside linebackers on the roster to this point are still unproven.
Without Bell on the roster will leave redshirt junior Izayah Green-May, redshirt sophomore Jaylan Franklin, redshirt freshman Spencer Lytle, and a trio of true freshman in Nick Herbig, Kaden Johnson, and Aaron Witt to compete for the other starting outside linebacker position.
Franklin and Green-May were the only two to see the field this past season as they appeared in 14 and 10 games respectively combining to make seven tackles and each recorded one sack.
Bell who transferred to Wisconsin from Alabama in 2016 finishes his career as a Badger appearing in 24 career games with eight tackles (six solo), two sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup.