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BREAKING: Wisconsin football lands transfer commitment from a former Illinois lineman

Luke Fickell adds the second transfer of the spring window

Wisconsin football landed a commitment from former Illinois Fighting Illini transfer offensive lineman Joey Okla on Wednesday.

Okla is the program’s second transfer commit in the spring window, joining former Vanderbilt OL Leyton Nelson. 247Sports’ Evan Flood noted he will walk on with the Badgers in 2024.

The veteran lineman was spotted at Wisconsin spring practice earlier this week. He had entered the portal on April 16.

The Harland, Wisconsin, native appeared in one game for the Fighting Illini in 2023, that after redshirting as a true freshman in 2022. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit ranked 14th overall in the state of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s former coaching staff did not offer Okla during his high school career at Arrowhead, but Luke Fickell and the current staff clearly made him a priority.

Committed. #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/gVWTHCmlyN

— Joey Okla (@JoeyOkla) April 24, 2024

Okla should play a depth role along Wisconsin’s 2024 offensive line with starting lineup mostly set. He primarily plays on the interior and could serve as a backup at multiple positions.

The Wisconsin commit has three years of eligibility remaining and will have plenty of time to play himself into the program’s starting lineup. For now, it’s another valuable depth add for Fickell and his staff.

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

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One of Wisconsin’s top Chucky Hepburn replacement options to return to UNC

Another potential transfer option off the board for the Badgers:

Take another one of Wisconsin basketball’s top Chucky Hepburn replacement options off the board.

First, former Texas and Iowa State guard Tyrese Hunter committed to Memphis. Now, North Carolina point guard Seth Trimble has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and will return to UNC.

Trimble averaged 17.1 minutes, 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.4 steals on 47% shooting and 41% from 3 as a sophomore at North Carolina in 2023-24. The former top-30 recruit was formerly one of Wisconsin’s top recruiting options coming out of high school.

The Wisconsin native is not the only significant Tar Heel returning for 2024-25: senior guard R.J. Davis will return as well, according to CBSSports’ Matt Norlander.

Our top options for Wisconsin to replace Hepburn were Hunter, Trimble, rising sophomore John Blackwell and incoming 2024 point guard Daniel Freitag. The job is trending toward being all Freitag’s now that the two big-time transfers are off the board.

🚨NEWS🚨

North Carolina G Seth Trimble will withdraw his name from the portal and return to UNC next season, per his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/pv9En1gM1n

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 23, 2024

Wisconsin basketball is in need of a jolt from the transfer portal. Recent days have seen most of the program’s top targets commit elsewhere, including Hunter, Frankie Fidler and Brandon Angel.

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One of Wisconsin’s top options to replace PG Chucky Hepburn commits to Memphis

Wisconsin couldn’t compete in this recruitment

Former Texas and Iowa State guard Tyrese Hunter committed to Memphis on Monday evening.

Hunter was one of Wisconsin’s top options to replace Chucky Hepburn at point guard. The Badgers were reportedly in pursuit, though now must search elsewhere.

The defense-first point guard played 32 minutes per game for the Longhorns in 2023-24, averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals on 45% shooting.

He was a top-40 recruit coming out of high school in 2021 and is currently ranked as the No. 12 overall transfer and No. 2 point guard.

He joins a Memphis program that failed to make the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24 but is set up well for the future thanks to a huge NIL investment by FedEx.

𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎: Texas transfer Tyrese Hunter has committed to #Memphis, @247Sports has learned.

A two-time transfer, Hunter is the fourth portal addition for Penny Hardaway this offseason.

STORY | https://t.co/k3CTHuM3nX pic.twitter.com/rcn3Tu1M5m

— Brandon Jenkins (@BJenkins247) April 22, 2024

Wisconsin basketball is yet to land anybody from the transfer portal after seeing eight total departures (seven via the portal) including three key starters. Greg Gard and his staff still have time, however, and do have a long list of reported targets.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin football receives transfer commitment from SEC offensive tackle

Luke Fickell lands his first transfer of the spring window:

Wisconsin football just made its first splash in the spring transfer portal window.

It landed a commitment from former Vanderbilt offensive tackle Leyton Nelson.

Nelson entered the transfer portal on April 16 after playing in 11 games for the Commodores in 2023. He follows former Vanderbilt offensive line coach A.J. Blazek to Madison — Blazek who the Badgers hired this offseason after re-assigning former OL coach Jack Bicknell after the 2023 season.

Nelson is 247Sports’ No. 652 player in the transfer portal and No. 39 offensive tackle. He was originally a three-star recruit in the class of 2022.

COMMITTED‼️
🟥🦡⬜️#OnWisconsin #JumpAroundMadTown pic.twitter.com/zjm6GkV9lq

— Leyton Nelson (@LeytonNelson4) April 22, 2024

Nelson brings experience, but he will likely play a depth role along the offensive line with Wisconsin’s starting lineup mostly set. He has several years of eligibility remaining and could play himself into a starting role in 2025, while also serving as valuable depth this upcoming season.

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There is a top transfer portal wide receiver with the last name ‘Badger’

This transfer WR would be a perfect fit with the Badgers

There is a wide receiver in the transfer portal that would be a perfect fit with Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers.

First, he’s an exceptional player and would fit seamlessly in Phil Longo’s offense.

Second, his name is Elijhah Badger. The last name is fitting.

Badger entered the portal on Friday after four years at Arizona State. He was one of the Sun Devils’ top receiving options the last two seasons, totaling 135 catches for 1,599 yards and 10 touchdowns combined in that time.

The former four-star recruit in the class of 2020 is expected to be one of the more sought-after receivers during this transfer portal cycle. Wisconsin could use another top option along with Will Pauling, Bryson Green and the rest of the room.

Badger’s talent would fit well, as would his last name.

Arizona State star receiver Elijhah Badger is expected to enter the transfer portal, sources tell @247Sports. (@ChrisKarpman 1st).

Had been set to be one of the Big 12’s top WRs. Despite uneven QB play, the former top-140 overall recruit posted 135 catches, 1,579 yards & 11 TDs… pic.twitter.com/30NeaxNyrf

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2024

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Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman T.J. Bollers receives several D-I offers

Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman T.J. Bollers is receiving plenty of interest from D-I programs.

He has already received offers from New Mexico, Kent State, Ohio, Northern Iowa, Miami (Ohio) and Cal after entering the transfer portal just four days ago.

Conference realignment makes this exercise a challenge. But that’s an offer from the Mountain West, four from the MAC and one from the ACC.

Bollers entered the portal after three unproductive years as a Badger. He was a four-star recruit in Wisconsin’s decorated class of 2021 — ranked as the No. 159 overall recruit in the class, No. 11 edge rusher and No. 2 recruit from his home state of Iowa.

Wisconsin attempted to move him from a 3-4 outside linebacker in Jim Leonhard’s old system to a defensive lineman in Mike Tressel’s hybrid 3-3-5. Neither role perfectly fit his game, as he’s better served as a 4-3 defensive end. That was seen in Bollers’ lack of playing time in his three years with the program.

His transfer is likely due to the fit on the field and finding a location with consistent playing time available.

Wisconsin is becoming increasingly thin along the defensive line. Only James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal are back as experienced contributors, plus Albany transfer Elijah Hills. Luke Fickell and his staff need to find upgrades and depth at the position before the spring transfer portal window grinds to a halt.

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Wisconsin boasts two of 247Sports’ ‘top Big Ten newcomers’ entering 2024

Two of Wisconsin football’s offseason additions made 247Sports’ list of the top 25 Big Ten newcomers entering 2024.

Those two: quarterback Tyler Van Dyke at No. 23 and inside linebacker Tackett Curtis at No. 14.

Van Dyke is set to likely start for the Badgers this season after four years at Miami. He transfers with 32 games of experience and stats including a 63.7 completion percentage, 7,469 yards, 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His inclusion on the list is no surprise, as he’s instantly one of the more accomplished quarterbacks in the conference.

Curtis, meanwhile, transferred to Wisconsin after one season at USC. The former top recruit started most of the season at inside linebacker for a poor Trojans defense, recording 40 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and two sacks. He brings an impressive recruiting pedigree and a ton of potential, but he isn’t in line to start for the Badgers in 2024.

Luke Fickell and his staff worked hard to re-shape the program’s linebacker room. Veteran Jaheim Thomas is projected to start alongside Jake Chaney this season, with Curtis and former UNC linebacker Sebastian Cheeks forming the future.

Curtis has a high transfer portal ranking because of his high school billing. But he likely won’t have a huge impact in 2024.

https://t.co/lExSrFgVrG #Badgers

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) April 18, 2024

247Sports’ piece looks at the highest transfer rating, which Curtis does bring. It may just take a few years for that potential to pay off on the field.

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Wisconsin football in pursuit of an accomplished transfer portal running back

Wisconsin could be looking to continue to upgrade at running back

Wisconsin is in pursuit of former Louisville running back Peny Boone, according to Rivals’ Marshall Levenson.

Boone entered the transfer portal after only spending the spring with the Cardinals. He transferred there in January after two decorated years at Toledo, that after spending the first two years of his career at Maryland.

The 6’1″ running back was the 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year at Toledo after rushing for 1400 yards and 15 touchdowns on 7.2 yards per carry.

Wisconsin is on a list of schools to have reportedly reached out to Boone that also includes Ole Miss, Washington, Tennessee, Miami, Nebraska, Utah and Michigan State.

Louisville RB Peny Boone has heard from the following schools since entering the portal, @RivalsPortal has learned.

Ole Miss
Washington
Tennessee
Miami
Oklahoma State
UCLA
Nebraska
UNC
Colorado
Ga. Tech
Wisconsin
W. Kentucky
Viriginia Tech
Utah
Michigan State… pic.twitter.com/m7Cc6Ak0sd

— Marshall Levenson (@MarshallRivals) April 18, 2024

This interest is a bit of a surprise. Wisconsin is loaded at running back after adding Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker during the winter window. He and veteran Chez Mellusi are set to lead the backfield, with not many additional carries available.

Preliminary interest doesn’t mean Wisconsin will go on to land the transfer — and become his fourth school in four years. It’s worth monitoring, however, if any visits get reported.

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Wisconsin football locks in official visit with 2025 running back Javin Gordon

Wisconsin football locks in visit with 2025 running back Javin Gordon

Wisconsin football scheduled an official visit with class of 2025 running back Javin Gordon on Wednesday. The visit will be June 7-9, during one of the bigger official visit weekends of the year.

Gordon is currently unranked by 247Sports at this stage in the 2025 cycle. Wisconsin is likely the Georgia native’s best offer at the moment. Other notable ones include Indiana, Northwestern, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Toledo, Liberty, USF and Wake Forest.

The Badgers offered Gordon on April 11 and took no time to schedule the visit.

The program’s class of 2025 currently ranks No. 22 in the nation with seven players committed. It is yet to land a running back, that after finishing the 2024 cycle with three at the position.

Official visit locked in🔒! @BadgerFootball @_maximus347 @CoachSpalding_ @SCFBrecruits @coachwtank pic.twitter.com/L0fpUxTTRD

— Javin Gordon (@Javingordon5) April 17, 2024

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Wisconsin football offers former All-MAC transfer defensive tackle

Wisconsin football extended an offer to transfer portal defensive tackle and former All-MAC selection C.J. West on Tuesday.

The now-former Kent State defensive tackle recorded 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble in a terrific senior season in 2023. He enters the portal with 36 games of experience, 19.5 total tackles for loss and seven sacks.

West has already received offers from LSU, Indiana, Rutgers, Miami, Kansas State, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Wisconsin after entering the transfer portal on Tuesday,

The La Grange Park, Illinois native initially committed to the University of Minnesota in 2019 before signing with the Golden Flashes in February of 2020.

With one year of eligibility remaining, West is clearly a coveted target for a collection of the most prestigious programs across the new ‘Power Four’ landscape.

WISCONSIN OFFERED @BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/3hotoMeXD7

— CJ West (@CJWEST50) April 16, 2024

Wisconsin has a significant need along the defensive line. Only James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal return with any experience, plus backup T.J. Bollers recently entered the transfer portal.

West would be a day-one starter for Mike Tressel’s defense as the program continues to transition to his new defensive system.