Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive end

Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive end #GoBucks

We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position (which it has handled) and then dove into the possible running backs (which it has also handled). We also recently covered the wide receiver position (if things break a certain way), tight ends, and offensive tackle, guards, and of course, the center position that was also already addressed by the staff. But now, we move on to the defensive side of the ball and we will start at defensive end.

Most of the guys on this list have committed already and the winter transfer portal is winding down. Still, these lists also provide the landing spot for these players, which tell an interesting story within the national landscape. For example, Indiana made some heavy-hitting moves in the transfer portal on the offensive side of the football. but let’s see which teams went out of their way to add one of the following big fish.

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Cincinnati

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Cincinnati

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Darian Varner committed to Cincinnati earlier this morning.

He is off to the Big 12 school after playing three seasons at Temple and one at Wisconsin. His Temple career finished with all-conference honors and plenty of flashy plays, having entered the portal for the first time after a 35-tackle, 12.5 tackle-for-loss, 7.5-sack 2022 campaign.

Varner then had minimal impact in Madison last season, recording only five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He now joins a Cincinnati program under head coach Scott Satterfield that went 3-9 in 2023 and 1-8 in its first season in the Big 12.

Varner and Rodas Johnson, who also transferred out, leave behind a defensive line room in Madison that will rely on James Thompson Jr., Curt Neal, T.J. Bollers and others to hold strong up front. Stating the obvious, it does not appear to be one of the Badgers’ strengths entering 2024.

One of Wisconsin’s recent additions has re-entered the transfer portal

One of Wisconsin’s recent additions has re-entered the transfer portal

Wisconsin defensive end Darian Varner has re-entered the transfer portal, according to 247Sports’ Evan Flood. Varner transferred to Wisconsin from Temple last offseason after Fickell and his staff were hired.

While the veteran was a first-team All-AAC selection at Temple in 2022, he didn’t see much playing time for the Badgers. His career in Madison ends with only five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

The Badgers are set to be quite thin along the defensive line entering 2024. Gio Paez graduated and now Rodas Johnson and Varner have transferred, leaving only James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal as players who have seen somewhat significant playing time.

Highlight defensive line as one of the transfer portal positions Wisconsin will be prioritizing as the cycle continues.

Badger Countdown: Two transfer athletes set to wear number 19 in 2023

Two new Badgers in number 19 this year

The 2023 college football season is almost here and the Badgers are now 19 days away from their season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 2. There will be two new Wisconsin athletes wearing the number 19 this year.

After two seasons with Cincinnati, wide receiver Will Pauling followed his head coach Luke Fickell to Madison. Over his two campaigns with the Bearcats, Pauling recorded 13 catches for 128 yards while appearing in 10 total games.

Now with Wisconsin, Pauling will look to carve out a more significant role in Phil Longo’s “Air Raid” offense.

The other athlete donning 19 on their jersey this year is defensive lineman Darian Varner. Varner transferred to Wisconsin after three years with Temple, recording 57 tackles, including 10.5 sacks, over 21 games during his two active seasons.

He’ll look to help replace the production of linebacker Nick Herbig and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, amongst others in Mike Tressel’s defense this year.

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