Tag: Elijhah Badger

This Florida football transfer could make an instant impact in 2024

Badger hopes to follow in the footsteps of another former ASU standout who worked his way up to a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The college football transfer portal has become a cornerstone of roster build in the modern game, serving as a de facto free agency system for collegiate athletes.

CBS Sports’ Will Backus recently took a look at the Southeastern Conference in search of transfers he believes will make an instant impact with their new teams. For the Florida Gators, he singled out wide receiver [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag], who had previously played for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

“Badger has flown under the radar despite leading Arizona State in receiving in consecutive seasons, with 1,579 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving in that span,” Backus notes. “He should emerge as a go-to target for equally underrated Florida quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag] in an offense that sorely needs dynamic options outside of [autotag]Eugene Wilson III[/autotag].”

What Backus did not mention is that Badger hopes to follow in the footsteps of another former ASU standout, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. After two seasons in Gainesville, the prolific pass-catcher worked his way up to a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

There is little doubt that played a role in his decision to don the Orange and Blue.

Florida opens up its 2024 regular-season schedule in the Swamp against the Miami Hurricanes on Aug. 31. Kickoff time is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.

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Florida football now has a top-5 transfer portal class for 2024

Billy Napier and Co. are undoubtedly big winners int he college football transfer portal this cycle.

Florida football had a remarkably successful week in the NCAA transfer portal, pulling a pair of blue-chip players from their former schools to finalize the 2024 roster.

The first to commit to the Gators was former five-star prospect and Colorado Buffaloes cornerback [autotag]Cormani McClain[/autotag], who returned to his home state to join a team he nearly committed to as a recruit. The other was redshirt junior wide receiver [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag], who spent his first four collegiate seasons with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

As a result of this major coup, the Orange and Blue are now ranked fifth in 247Sports’ college football team transfer rankings. [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. brought in 15 new players via the portal — six of whom are four-star players and the other nine three-star.

McClain is rated at four stars in the transfer portal and ranks No. 21 overall and No. 5 at his position. Badger is a four-star transfer portal prospect, ranking No. 184 overall and No. 36 at his position.

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Former ASU wide receiver commits to Florida via transfer portal

What many had expected finally came to fruition on Friday afternoon as Elijhah Badger joins the Florida Gators via the transfer portal.

Billy Napier and Co. scored yet another win through the college football transfer portal on Friday after earning a commitment from redshirt junior wide receiver Elijhah Badger, formerly of the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Less than 24 hours prior to the announcement, Swamp247’s Blake Alderman submitted a crystal ball prediction for Florida while Nick de la Torre reported that Gators Online also cast a prediction for the Orange and Blue.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound pass-catcher originally in the 2020 cycle made an official visit to UF earlier this week and came away with a better understanding of what Florida has to offer.

Badger is now officially a member of the Orange and Blue.

Recruiting Summary

Badger is a four-star transfer portal prospect according to 247Sports, ranking No. 184 overall and No. 36 at his position.

As a prep recruit in the 2020 cycle, he was also a four-star prospect according to both 247Sports and On3. The former ranked him at No. 182 overall and No. 6 at the athlete position while the latter placed him at No. 121 overall and No. 23 at wide receiver.

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Former Wisconsin transfer WR target commits to play with…Graham Mertz

Former Wisconsin transfer target commits to play with….Graham Mertz

Former Wisconsin transfer portal target wide receiver Elijhah Badger committed to Florida on Friday.

Wisconsin had been one of numerous schools to express interest in the former Arizona State wide receiver after he entered the transfer portal last month. The Badgers then landed Boston College WR Joseph Griffin Jr., likely taking them out of the running for other transfer receivers.

Related: Ranking every game on Wisconsin’s 2024 schedule from easiest to toughest

Badger chose the Gators over other Arizona and Washington.

Notably, the wide receiver commits to play with former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz, who transferred to Florida ahead of the 2023 season and returns to start under center in 2024.

The talented wideout was heralded as one of the best receivers of this transfer cycle. He was one of Arizona State’s top receiving options in both 2022 and 2023, totaling 135 catches for 1,599 yards and 10 touchdowns in that time.

Related: Wisconsin updated 2024 offense depth chart after addition of WR Joseph Griffin Jr.

He joins Mertz on a Florida team that is in need of a statement campaign under head coach Billy Napier. The Gators went 6-7 and 5-7 respectively in 2022 and 2023. The SEC landscape is not getting easier, and Florida needs to reestablish itself toward the top of the conference.

Wisconsin landed three transfers during the spring portal window: Vanderbilt offensive lineman Leyton Nelson, Illinois offensive lineman Joey Okla and Griffin.

The program is still in search of help along the defensive line as the final portal entrants find new destinations.

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Gators expected to sign coveted transfer portal WR on Friday

Billy Napier and Co. are expected to announce another major transfer portal win on Friday.

Florida football is expected to add another name to its roster from the 2024 NCAA transfer portal on Friday.

According to both 247Sports and On3, redshirt junior wide receiver [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag] formerly of the Arizona State Sun Devils is projected to become a member of the Gators once he finalizes his decision.

Swamp247’s Blake Alderman submitted a crystal ball prediction for Florida late Thursday night while Nick de la Torre reports that Gators Online also cast a prediction for the Orange and Blue.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound pass-catcher originally in the 2020 cycle made an official visit to UF earlier this week and came away with a better understanding of what Billy Napier and Co. have to offer.

Recruiting Summary

Badger is a four-star transfer portal prospect according to 247Sports, ranking No. 184 overall and No. 36 at his position.

As a prep recruit in the 2020 cycle, he was also a four-star prospect according to both 247Sports and On3. The former ranked him at No. 182 overall and No. 6 at the athlete position while the latter placed him at No. 121 overall and No. 23 at wide receiver.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Wisconsin misses final schools for former top transfer portal WR target Elijhah Badger

Wisconsin will not be landing the wide receiver with the last name ‘Badger’

Wisconsin missed the final three schools for top transfer portal wide receiver Elijhah Badger on Wednesday.

Badger will be choosing one of Arizona, Florida or Washington.

Related: Post-spring Big Ten football 2024 power rankings, starting quarterback rankings

Wisconsin was in pursuit of the former Arizona State Sun Devil. The program then landed former Boston College WR Joseph Griffin Jr., fulfilling its need for an experienced receiver.

It is reasonable to assume that Wisconsin dropped out of the running for Badger after landing Griffin. That, or the program pursued Griffin with the knowledge it wouldn’t be in play for Badger.

Either way, one of Arizona, Florida or Washington will add the transfer portal’s top available wide receiver.

Badger entered the portal last month after four years at Arizona State. He was one of the Sun Devils’ top receiving options in 2022 and 2023, totaling 135 catches for 1,599 yards and 10 touchdowns in that time.

Wisconsin enters the 2024 season with Will Pauling, Bryson Green and C.J. Williams atop its wide receiver depth chart. Griffin Jr., Tyrell Henry and Trech Kekahuna make up a second group that is sure to also contribute heavily.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer portal activity this spring, check out our 2024 spring transfer portal window 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.

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Gators to host 4-star transfer portal wide receiver this week

This West Coast wide receiver is paying a visit to the Orange and Blue this week in search of greener pastures.

Florida football is preparing to roll out the red carpet for a pair of top players in the 2024 transfer portal, including former Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag].

The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound pass-catcher is scheduled to stop in Gainesville starting on Monday night but the timer on his OV will not start until Tuesday morning. The Gators could use a little help in the wide receiver room so this visit could be a key moment in the program’s offseason.

During Badger’s four years in Tempe, the Sacramento, California, native hauled in 142 catches for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns, with another three TDs added on the ground on top of 111 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Badger stood out for the Sun Devils in 2022, when he played in 12 games accounting for 70 and 866 yards along with seven scores.

His 25 missed tackles forced were tops among Pac-12 receivers and second among all FBS receivers during the 2023 regular season; he also had 24 explosive receptions (15-plus yards) on the season, good for 23rd among FBS receivers in the regular season and third in the Pac-12.

Recruiting Summary

Badger is a four-star transfer portal prospect according to 247Sports, ranking No. 184 overall and No. 36 at his position.

As a prep recruit in the 2020 cycle, he was also a four-star prospect according to both 247Sports and On3. The former ranked him at No. 182 overall and No. 6 at the athlete position while the latter placed him at No. 121 overall and No. 23 at wide receiver.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Wisconsin transfer WR target Elijhah Badger visits program quarterbacked by Graham Mertz

Wisconsin transfer WR target Elijhah Badger visits program quarterbacked by Graham Mertz

Wisconsin top transfer portal wide receiver target Elijhah Badger is set to visit the Florida Gators, according to On3.

Florida was named as one of the numerous top programs in pursuit of Badger, along with Wisconsin. It is also the current home of former Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz, who returned to Gainesville for his sixth and final year of collegiate eligibility.

Related: Post-spring Big Ten football 2024 power rankings

The top transfer wide receiver has now visited Washington, Arizona and Florida as his recruitment continues. He’s currently ranked as a four-star transfer, the No. 184 player in the portal and No. 36 wide receiver.

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

Wisconsin is yet to land a visit with the highly-touted transfer. It’s easy to see how Florida, Washington and Arizona represent more attractive landing spots, as the Badgers have a strong top group at wide receiver and would deploy Badger as part of a rotation.

The wide receiver’s last name makes this a situation worth following, especially if he spends the 2024 season catching passes from Mertz.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer portal activity this spring, check out our 2024 spring transfer portal window 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. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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Auburn reaches out to Arizona State transfer WR Elijhah Badger

Badger hauled in 141 catches for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns in four seasons at Arizona State.

Auburn football has enhanced its wide receiver room more than any position group this offseason. However, following the departure of Koy Moore to the transfer portal, [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and his staff are looking to add one more to the rotation.

According to a report by On3, former Arizona State wide receiver [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag] has heard from over 20 programs since entering the transfer portal on April 20 including Auburn. Auburn is one of six SEC programs that have expressed interest in Badger including Florida, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.

Badger was a highly-touted recruit from Folsom High School in Sacramento, California. He was a four-star athlete ranked No. 6 in the nation and was the No. 14 overall product from California from the 2020 recruiting cycle.

His play at Arizona State was indicative of his recruiting rankings as he hauled in 142 catches for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns in four seasons in Tempe. He was the Sun Devils leading receiver in both 2022 and 2023, where he combined to catch 135 passes for 1,579 yards and 10 scores. The 2022 season was his best to-date where he reached career-bests in receptions (70), yards (866), and touchdowns (7).

Auburn will have plenty of weapons in its receiving room this season. The Tigers’ leading receiver from last season, [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag], returns while former Penn State stand out [autotag]KeAndre Lambert-Smith[/autotag] joins the roster from the transfer portal. Adding a receiver such as Badger would bring more experience to the roster, which will be a great development tool for freshmen receivers [autotag]Cam Coleman[/autotag], [autotag]Perry Thompson[/autotag], [autotag]Malcolm Simmons[/autotag], and [autotag]Bryce Cain[/autotag].

Wisconsin one of several top programs in pursuit of top transfer WR Elijhah Badger

Wisconsin one of several top programs in pursuit of top transfer WR Elijhah Badger

Wisconsin is one of several top programs to have reached out to top transfer portal wide receiver Elijhah Badger, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

The Badgers are included along with Florida, Michigan, Florida State, Washington, Texas A&M, Auburn, Michigan State, Louisville, Colorado, Utah, West Virginia, South Carolina, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, USC, Cal and USF.

Related: Wisconsin’s class of 2025 rises in national ranking after addition of S Luke Emmerich

The veteran wide receiver entered the portal in mid-April 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.

Luke Fickell and Phil Longo have already re-shaped Wisconsin’s wide receiver room since taking over after the 2022 season. That work is continuing, even with a stellar top rotation set entering the 2024 season. The program reportedly will host former Baylor WR Armani Winfield on a visit, and hopes the same becomes the case with the former Arizona State WR.

Badger would be a terrific fit with the Badgers — just based on his last name. But Wisconsin has heavy competition to land a commitment.

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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