Tag: depth chart

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from SEC transfer pass-rusher

Wisconsin picks up a commit from a Kentucky transfer edge rusher

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Kentucky transfer linebacker Tyreese Fearbry on Sunday.

Fearbry is the Badgers’ 16th transfer commitment of the cycle and the second pass-rusher, joining Mason Reiger. He transfers in with two years of eligibility remaining.

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

The former Kentucky Wildcat tallied 21 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass deflections in 27 appearances over the last three seasons. He joined Kentucky as a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. He was the No. 178 player overall in the class, the No. 19 edge rusher and the No. 4 recruit from Pennsylvania.

He adds an intriguing depth option to Wisconsin’s outside linebacker room. The Badgers return Darryl Peterson, Aaron Witt and Sebastian Cheeks and recently added a proven veteran, Reiger (Louisville). That group is tasked with improving a Badgers pass rush that ranked near the bottom of the nation in 2024.

Fearbry’s addition fits Wisconsin’s broader approach this transfer cycle: a Power Four transfer with proven production. While there are several Football Championship Subdivision and D-III transfers in the mix, most of the Badgers’ top additions are from the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

The Badgers have also clearly prioritized the defensive front after several key departures from that part of the team. Fearbry is the program’s seventh commit who plays either defensive line or outside linebacker.

For more on those players and Wisconsin’s new-look roster entering 2025, check out our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin lands commitment from Michigan transfer specialist

Wisconsin lands commitment from Michigan transfer punter

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Michigan transfer specialist Stone Anderson on Saturday.

Anderson entered the portal after two years with the Wolverines. He is the Badgers’ second addition on special teams, joining Arkansas long snapper Eli Stein.

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

On3 lists Anderson as a three-star transfer, ranked specifically as the No. 1,939 overall player in the portal and No. 30 punter.

Anderson should enter 2025 as Wisconsin’s backup punter behind multiyear starter Atticus Bertrams. The transfer specialist is also listed as a placekicker, so he may fill a depth role at both positions. A backup role at kicker recently opened with the departure of veteran Nate Van Zelst.

Anderson transfers to the Badgers with three years of eligibility remaining. He did not see any game action during his two seasons at Michigan.

Anderson is Wisconsin’s 15th transfer addition of the offseason. For more on the program’s transfer movement, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin lands commitment from FCS transfer defensive lineman

Wisconsin lands commitment from FCS transfer defensive lineman

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Grambling State transfer defensive lineman Michael Garner on Saturday.

Garner is the program’s 14th transfer addition and fifth along the defensive line. The redshirt freshman joins the program with three years of eligibility remaining.

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

Garner totaled 11 tackles, 4 1/2 for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble as a redshirt freshman in 2024. He figures to add depth to a Wisconsin defensive line room that has been a top priority this transfer cycle.

The Badgers saw the departures of veteran defensive tackles Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. to start the cycle, in addition to pass-rusher Leon Lowery. They added Parker Petersen (Tulane), Corey Walker (Western Michigan) and Charles Perkins (UT-Martin) to bolster the tackle group, plus Mason Reiger (Louisville) for experience at edge rusher.

Garner is one of several Wisconsin transfer additions to move up from the Football Championship Subdivision or D-III. That initiative has been a theme through each of Luke Fickell’s offseasons at the helm.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer additions and remaining top targets, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin quarterback enters NCAA transfer portal

Another Wisconsin quarterback has entered the portal

Wisconsin freshman quarterback Mabrey Mettauer is entering the transfer portal, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

He is the 23rd Wisconsin scholarship player to enter. His departure also completes Wisconsin’s top-down turnover at quarterback: 2024 starters Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke are also in the portal.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Mettauer joined the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024. He was ranked as the No. 462 player in the class, No. 31 quarterback and No. 74 recruit from the state of Texas. He chose Wisconsin over offers from Florida, LSU, Miami and Ole Miss.

He played sparingly as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in three games and attempting one pass: a two-yard completion.

Mettauer figured to be next in Wisconsin’s succession plan at the position, specifically in Phil Longo’s air raid scheme. That outlook changed with Longo’s departure, the hire of new coordinator Jeff Grimes and the transfer additions of quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil.

He enters the portal with four years of eligibility remaining

Wisconsin’s outlook at quarterback changed drastically over the last month. The program moved on from Longo’s air raid scheme to a more pro-style approach under Grimes. It added Edwards Jr. (one year of eligibility remaining) and O’Neil (three years remaining) in the portal and added top-ranked quarterback Carter Smith in the class of 2025. That trio gives the program clear options over the next few seasons. The addition of each made it increasingly unlikely Mettauer would win the starting job in 2025 or beyond.

It will be worth monitoring the performances of Van Dyke, Locke and Mattauer at their new destinations. For where each ends up, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin defensive lineman enters NCAA transfer portal

Another member of Wisconsin’s class of 2023 enters the transfer portal

Wisconsin redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jamel Howard Jr. entered the transfer portal on Saturday.

The second-year tackle is the 22nd Wisconsin scholarship player to enter since the portal opened on Dec. 9. He is the 11th member of Luke Fickell’s class of 2023 to depart. Only four players from that class remain with the program: wide receiver Trech Kekahuna, tight end Tucker Ashcraft, linebacker Tyler Jansey and LB Christian Alliegro.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

“After meaningful talks with my family and staff, I’m grateful to the University of Wisconsin for helping me grow as a player and person,” Howard wrote on X. “With that, I’m entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility.”

Howard joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 1,213 player in the class of 2023, No. 130 defensive lineman and No. 26 recruit from his home state of Illinois. He committed to the program in June 2022 when Paul Chryst was the coach. He decommitted after Chryst’s firing before recommitting after Luke Fickell’s hire.

The lineman did not see any game action in his two years with the program.

Howard’s departure reflects larger movement within Wisconsin’s defensive line room. Veterans Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. transferred out, while the program added commitments from transfers Parker Petersen, Corey Walker, Charles Perkins and Michael Garner.

That infusion of veteran talent at the position would have made it challenging for Howard to see snaps in 2025. He transfers with three years of eligibility remaining.

For more on Wisconsin’s outgoing transfers and where they end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin hosts NAIA transfer cornerback on official visit

Wisconsin hosts NAIA transfer cornerback on official visit

Wisconsin hosted Marian transfer cornerback Dwight Lewis on an official visit this week.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Lewis appears to be one of the program’s several transfer targets at the position. That position is arguably the Badgers’ biggest remaining need after the recent departures of Xavier Lucas, Jonas Duclona, Amare Snowden and others.

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

Lewis entered the portal this month after four years at Marian, two as one of its top starting cornerbacks. His 2024 campaign included 25 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, four interceptions and two pass deflections.

Wisconsin has hosted both Lewis and Grand Valley State cornerback Devin Pringle in recent days. Both would be write-in starters at the position as they look to transfer their significant success to the Big Ten level.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer targets, specifically at cornerback, check out our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin transfer safety commits to MAC school, joins former Badger Amare Snowden

Wisconsin transfer safety commits to MAC school, joins Amare Snowden

Wisconsin transfer safety Braedyn Moore committed to Toledo on Friday.

The rising redshirt sophomore joins former Badgers cornerback Amare Snowden with the Rockets. Of the 21 Wisconsin scholarship players to enter the portal since the conclusion of the 2024 season, Moore is the sixth to announce his next destination.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Moore initially joined the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, ranked as the No. 321 player in the class, No. 13 athlete and No. 9 recruit from his home state of Ohio. He was first committed to Cincinnati before flipping to the Badgers, following head coach Luke Fickell.

Moore is notably among 11 members of Fickell’s class of 2023 to transfer out. Most of those departures have come from the cornerback and safety positions, eliminating much of the program’s secondary depth.

The underclassman safety played sparingly in his two years with the program. He recorded just two tackles and a fumble recovery in 2024, playing in a top-heavy safety room led by star Hunter Wohler and veteran Preston Zachman. He commits to Toledo with three years of eligibility remaining.

Moore’s move to Toledo follows five former Badgers to announce their transfer destinations. Outside linebacker Leon Lowery committed to Illinois, Snowden to Toledo, cornerback Jonas Duclona to South Florida, safety Justin Taylor to Wyoming and tight end Riley Nowakowski to Indiana.

Wisconsin has addressed the safety position since Moore’s departure, adding commitments from Football Championship Subdivision transfer Matthew Traynor (Richmond) and D-III transfer Matt Jung (Bethel)

For more on the Badgers’ movement in the portal and where former players are headed, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

BREAKING: Wisconsin beats USC for commitment from top FCS transfer wide receiver

Wisconsin lands a commitment from a promising transfer receiver

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Idaho transfer wide receiver Mark Hamper on Friday.

The top Football Championship Subdivision transfer chose the Badgers over top programs including Big Ten rival USC. He is the program’s 13th transfer commitment of the cycle and the second wide receiver, joining Ohio State transfer Jayden Ballard.

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

Hamper commits to the Badgers after a breakout redshirt freshman season at Idaho. He totaled 48 receptions, 966 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns during the campaign — including three catches for 57 yards in the Vandals’ narrow Week 1 loss to Oregon. He joins the program with three years of eligibility remaining.

The 6’2″ wide receiver shouldn’t have much trouble seeing the field with the Badgers. The team has snaps available at the position after the recent transfer departures of starters Will Pauling and C.J. Williams. Both he and Ballard should lead the boundary receiver position across from returning starter Vinny Anthony.

https://twitter.com/mark_hamper/status/1870113926312317131

Wisconsin continues to utilize the transfer portal to bolster its offensive personnel entering a pivotal 2025 campaign. Additions at quarterback, tight end and wide receiver will aid new coordinator Jeff Grimes as he returns the program to its classic pro-style approach, departing from Phil Longo’s air raid scheme.

The Badgers’ new-look offensive depth chart appears well-equipped to make that transition.

Luke Fickell and his staff will likely direct primary focus to the defensive side of the football with major remaining needs at cornerback and linebacker. For more on those pursuits, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin class of 2026 safety target includes Badgers in top 10

Wisconsin top class of 2026 safety target includes Badgers in top 10

Wisconsin top class of 2026 safety target Nick Reddish included the Badgers in his list of final schools on Thursday.

Reddish becomes the latest 2026 prospect to include the Badgers as a finalist over the past month. Top-ranked offensive talents such as four-star running back Shahn Alston, top 100 offensive lineman Leo Delaney, three-star linebacker Storm Miller, four-star iOL Ben Nichols and top-ranked wide receiver Naeem Burroughs headline that list.

Reddish, who received his offer from Wisconsin on May 14, now includes it in his top 10 along with Duke, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, USC, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Indiana.

247Sports considers the 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety the No. 450 overall recruit in the class of 2026, the No. 38 safety and the No. 22 prospect from his home state of North Carolina. On3, 247Sports and Rivals all consider him a three-star recruit.

While Wisconsin’s presence in Reddish’s final list is encouraging, his commitment is nowhere near imminent. The sheer number of schools in his latest announcement indicates Reddish may narrow the list down even further as the cycle progresses.

As of Dec. 19, On3’s recruiting prediction machine lists Wake Forest as his most likely landing spot at 25%, which is odd considering their omission from his top 10. Virginia Tech and Notre Dame are next, each around the 20% likelihood mark.

Wisconsin’s class of 2026 still holds just two names — offensive lineman Benjamin Novak and quarterback Jarin Mock.

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from top D-III transfer safety

Another big transfer commitment for the Badgers

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Bethel (D-III) transfer safety Matt Jung on Thursday.

The fast-rising prospect is the Badgers’ 12th transfer commitment of the cycle. He is the second safety in that group, joining Richmond transfer Matthew Traynor.

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

Jung chose the Badgers over other transfer offers from Football Bowl Subdivision schools including Buffalo, Iowa State and Washington State. He was also reportedly set for an official visit to Iowa.

The D-III First Team All-American tallied 109 tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles, nine interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 2024. That production followed a 72-tackle, seven-interception, 4-1/2-tackle-for-loss, eight-pass-deflection 2023 campaign.

He joins the Badgers with two years of eligibility remaining.

Notably, Jung is originally from Neenah, Wisconsin. He was a high school teammate with Wisconsin class of 2025 signee Grant Dean. Those in-state ties likely played a role in his decision to join the Badgers.

Jung joins a Wisconsin safety room in need of a boost after losing star Hunter Wohler (NFL draft) after the 2024 season. Preston Zachman and Traynor project to start. If Jung can translate his D-III production to the FBS level, he shouldn’t have any trouble seeing the field.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer pursuits and remaining needs, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.