Tag: depth chart

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from promising transfer quarterback

Wisconsin lands its first quarterback of the transfer cycle

Wisconsin landed a commitment from San Diego State transfer quarterback Danny O’Neil on Monday.

O’Neil is Wisconsin’s first quarterback addition of the transfer cycle and fifth overall, joining Western Michigan defensive lineman Corey Walker, Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger, Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol and Tulane defensive lineman Parker Petersen.

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

O’Neil joins the Badgers after one year at San Diego State. He was the Aztecs’ starter as only a true freshman, completing 63.3% of his passes for 2,181 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The former three-star recruit in the class of 2024 has three years of eligibility remaining. His addition is similar to the Badgers’ signings of redshirt freshmen Braedyn Locke and Nick Evers entering the 2023 season. He has more starting experience than both of those players did at the time of their commitments, but he projects to begin his Wisconsin career as the backup before possibly starting down the road.

O’Neil’s commitment was quickly followed by Wisconsin picking up a prediction to land former Maryland starter Billy Edwards Jr. That starter-backup duo would represent a best-case scenario for Luke Fickell as he works to build the personnel around coordinator Jeff Grimes’ new offense.

For more on Wisconsin’s other targets at quarterback, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

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Wisconsin starting offensive lineman accepts invite to postseason all-star game

Wisconsin starting offensive lineman accepts invite to postseason all-star game

Wisconsin starting right guard Joe Huber accepted an invitation to play in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl last week.

The two-year starter is one of two Wisconsin starting linemen off to the NFL after the 2024 season, joining left tackle Jack Nelson.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Huber transferred to the Badgers before the 2023 season after three years at Cincinnati, one as its starting right tackle. With Riley Mahlman entrenched at the position and Nelson set at left tackle, Huber’s path to playing time was along the interior.

He started all 25 games at right guard for the Badgers during his two years with the program. His strong play at the position was rewarded with being named to the All-Big Ten Third Team (coaches). For reference, Huber was the only Badger to land on an all-conference team after the 2024 season.

The accomplished lineman is currently projected to be signed as an undrafted free agent after the upcoming draft. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to change that standing, starting with the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 30.

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Former Wisconsin quarterback announces transfer portal destination

Former Wisconsin quarterback announces transfer portal destination

Former Wisconsin quarterback Myles Burkett announced his transfer commitment to Eastern Kentucky on Sunday.

Burkett entered the portal earlier this month after one year at Albany. He commits to Eastern Kentucky, which made the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs this season, with two years of eligibility remaining.

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

Burkett joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit and the No. 8 player from the state of Wisconsin in the class of 2022. He appeared in just two games during his time with the program, both as a true freshman.

The Franklin, Wisconsin, native elected to remain with the program entering 2023 after the firing of Paul Chryst and the subsequent hire of Luke Fickell. He entered the season far down the quarterback depth chart, however, after offseason additions of Tanner Mordecai, Nick Evers and Braedyn Locke.

Burkett transferred to Albany after the 2023 campaign. He started nine games for the Great Danes in 2024, completing 54.7% of his passes for 1,840 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

He has found a destination for his remaining years of eligibility.

Wisconsin’s quarterback room remains in question after the hire of new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and the departures of Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke. The Badgers have only redshirt freshman Mabrey Mettauer, true freshman Landyn Locke (three-star) and true freshman Carter Smith (four-star) in the room. That reality is sure to change as this transfer cycle continues.

For more on Wisconsin’s top targets at the position, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from Tulane transfer defensive lineman

Wisconsin with another big-time portal addition

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Tulane transfer defensive lineman Parker Petersen on Sunday.

Petersen is the program’s third transfer commitment of the cycle, joining Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol and Louisville defensive end Mason Reiger.

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

The redshirt junior defensive lineman entered the portal after four years at Tulane. He originally joined the program as a three-star recruit in its class of 2021.

Petersen’s 2024 season was by far his best. He tallied 21 tackles (14 solo), five tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks as a primary member of the team’s defensive line rotation. 247Sports’ Chris Hummer called him “One of the top interior (defensive) linemen in the American (Athletic Conference)” from the 2024 season.

Of note, he chose the Badgers over transfer offers from Notre Dame, USC and Auburn. He commits to Wisconsin with one year of eligibility remaining.

Petersen and Reiger fill important needs along Wisconsin’s defensive front. Reiger joins as more of a pass-rushing defensive end, while Petersen should play a major role in the interior.

That interior group will look entirely different in 2025 after the departures of James Thompson Jr. (portal), Curt Neal (portal) and Elijah Hills (eligibility). Wisconsin found success in landing Hills from Albany before the 2024 season. Petersen projects to have a similar impact. He also brings a track record of strong production at a successful Group of Five program.

The Badgers have already done well in the portal addressing major roster needs. To stay up to date on all of the latest news and rumors, bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

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Broncos’ depth chart for Colts game

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ updated depth chart going into Colts game.

After beating the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 13 and having a bye in Week 14, the Denver Broncos are now set to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

The most notable changes to the updated depth chart this week are Zach Cunningham being listed behind Justin Strnad at inside linebacker, and Drew Sanders being added to the outside linebacker room. There was some uncertainty about whether Sanders would play as an OLB or ILB after returning from the physically unable to perform list.

Following those two additions, here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart going into the Colts game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Nick Gargiulo
C Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Mike McGlinchey Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss Drew Sanders
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Zach Cunningham
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine Reese Taylor
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS. Playing at home, Denver is considered a favorite against Indianapolis this week.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from top transfer portal tight end

Wisconsin gets a major transfer commitment

Wisconsin landed a commitment from Ball State transfer tight end Tanner Koziol on Saturday.

He is the program’s second transfer commitment of the cycle, joining Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger.

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

247Sports ranks the talented tight end as a four-star transfer recruit, the No. 48 overall player in the portal and the No. 3 player at his position.

His commitment is significant news for a Wisconsin team that saw starters Riley Nowakowski and Tucker Ashcraft combine for just 23 catches, 156 yards and a touchdown in 2024. The position never played a big role during Phil Longo’s tenure as offensive coordinator. With new hire Jeff Grimes reshaping the unit, Koziol should immediately fill a primary role in the receiving game.

The multi-year starter totaled 94 catches, a team-high 839 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. His career-long numbers are an impressive 163 catches, 1,507 yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Koziol fits the mold of Grimes’ pro-style offense and immediately gives the program its best receiving threat at the position since Jake Ferguson.

Wisconsin now continues its transfer recruiting with a major position checked off. Defensive line, quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, safety and linebacker remain some of the team’s biggest needs.

Bookmark our transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker for the latest updates.

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Wisconsin kicker departs transfer portal, returns to the Badgers

Wisconsin kicker departs transfer portal, returns to the Badgers

Wisconsin kicker Gavin Lahm has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and will return to the Badgers, according to his recent post on X.

The former walk-on is one of 19 Wisconsin players to enter the portal. He joins wide receiver Trech Kekahuna in returning to the school.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

Lahm joined the program as a walk-on in the class of 2022. He has operated as its kickoff specialist over each of the last three seasons, notching a 49% touchback rate (67 of 135) with a net average of 62.2 yards. The veteran kicker also tallied a solo tackle in 2024.

Lahm likely entered the transfer portal looking for an opportunity to start at placekicker. That position has been held throughout his time with the Badgers by Nate Van Zelst/Vito Calvaruso in 2022 and then Nathanial Vakos in both 2023 and 2024.

While Vakos is set to return for 2025, he made just 63.2% (12 of 19) of his kicks in 2024 after a terrific 2023 campaign. He was inexplicably 6-of-13 from 30-to-49 yards but 3-of-3 from beyond 50.

Vakos figures to start again in 2025. But that sub-par 2024 campaign could open the door for a competition at the position.

Lahm returns to the Badgers with one year of eligibility remaining.

Bookmark our transfer departure tracker for up-to-date information on Wisconsin’s transfer movement and where former Badgers are headed.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from Louisville transfer defensive end

Wisconsin has its first transfer commitment of the offseason

Louisville transfer pass-rusher Mason Reiger committed to Wisconsin on Friday.

He was one of the first transfer prospects to visit the Badgers earlier this week. He’s now the program’s first transfer commitment of the offseason.

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

The 6’4″, 250-pound defender entered the portal after five years at Louisville. He initially joined the program as a walk-on in its class of 2020.

Reiger then grew into a prominent role as his career continued. He played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2021, recording nine tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. He then played in 13 in 2022, recording 18 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a sack.

2023 was his breakout season: 22 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks as a primary part of the Cardinals’ defensive line rotation.

Reiger then missed the entire 2024 season after a long recovery from offseason knee surgery. He commits to the Badgers with one year of eligibility remaining.

The Louisville transfer joins a Wisconsin defensive front room that should continue to be a target throughout this transfer cycle. The defensive line group lost several key contributors after 2024, headlined by James Thompson Jr. (portal), Curt Neal (portal) and Elijah Hills (eligibility). The pass-rushing room is no different, with 2023 transfers John Pius (eligibility) and Leon Lowery (portal) both gone.

Reiger figures to immediately slide into the Badgers’ pass-rushing rotation. He brings 49 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks of production at the Power Four level. Unlike many of the Badgers’ small-school transfer prospects, Reiger shouldn’t have much trouble translating his production to the Big Ten level.

Wisconsin now continues its transfer recruiting with several more positions of need. Defensive line remains on the list, along with quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, linebacker and tight end. Bookmark our transfer offer and visit tracker for the latest updates.

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Report: Wisconsin lands visit with top transfer quarterback, former Big Ten starter

Report: Wisconsin lands visit with top transfer quarterback, former Big Ten starter

Wisconsin is expected to host Maryland transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. on a visit, according to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer.

Edwards Jr. is the third high-profile quarterback linked to the Badgers, joining former Cal QB Fernando Mendoza and San Diego State’s Danny O’Neil.

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

The former Maryland Terrapin entered the portal this week after three years (2022-24) with the program. He began his college career with a redshirt season at Wake Forest (2021).

The redshirt junior had a fantastic 2024 as Maryland’s starting quarterback. Despite the Terps’ significant struggles along the offensive line, Edwards Jr. completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His 420 pass attempts were the most in the Big Ten, partially due to needing to lead Maryland back after facing big deficits.

He’s in the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Hummer also reports that Michigan is expected to show interest.

The former Maryland starter resents an intriguing option for the Badgers. He should excel in a better offensive system with strong line play — which Wisconsin is expected to have. While Edwards Jr. only has one year remaining, which would lead to the Badgers having yet another new starter in 2026, his proven experience at the Big Ten level make him a strong option to lead the first year of Jeff Grimes’ offense with the program.

Wisconsin needs an established player at the position. After a terrific 2024, Edwards Jr. boasts better proven experience than almost every other option in the portal.

For more on the Badgers’ quarterback pursuits, and general portal recruiting, bookmark our offer and visit tracker.

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Wisconsin offers, lands visit with San Diego State transfer quarterback

Wisconsin offers, lands visit with San Diego State transfer quarterback

Wisconsin has an official visit scheduled with San Diego State transfer quarterback Danny O’Neil, according to On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

This report follows O’Neil entering the portal earlier Thursday. He is the first quarterback on Wisconsin’s reported list of transfer offers and visits. Wiltfong reports the freshman transfer will visit the Badgers this weekend.

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

O’Neil entered the transfer portal after one season at San Diego State. He started as a true freshman, completing 63.3% of his passes for 2,181 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Head coach Sean Lewis’ Aztecs went 3-9 in 2024 with O’Neil at the helm and finished with the nation’s No. 117-ranked scoring offense. That may be due more to O’Neil’s circumstances than to his specific play.

The promising freshman is in the portal with three years of eligibility remaining.

O’Neil has yet to receive a transfer ranking by 247Sports. He’d bring a combination of youth and promise to Wisconsin’s quarterbacks room as new coordinator Jeff Grimes works to rebuild the offense.

While Wisconsin may be better served finding a veteran to bridge the gap until top signee Carter Smith is ready to start, O’Neil is a rare underclassman transfer to also have starting experience at the position.

Wisconsin is in the quarterback market after the recent departures of Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke to the transfer portal. Many of the dominoes at the position are falling rather quickly, so the Badgers already locking in an offer and visit with O’Neil makes him a top target to watch.

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