Former Wisconsin defensive lineman announces transfer destination

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman announces transfer destination

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke signed with Wake Forest on Tuesday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Kirschke spend the 2024 season at Colorado State after beginning his career with the Badgers. He joins the Demon Deacons for his final two years of eligibility.

Related: Where Wisconsin football transfers have signed so far

Kirschke jumps back to the Power Four level after a strong campaign at Colorado State. He tallied 42 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles, helping lead the Rams to an 8-4 regular season before losing their bowl game.

The defensive lineman had plenty of interest this transfer cycle. He shared offers from Purdue, Kansas, Minnesota, Houston, West Virginia, Ole Miss and Wake Forest.

Kirschke appeared in one game over two seasons with the Badgers. He joined the program as a walk-on in its class of 2022, choosing the program over several scholarship offers.

The defensive lineman transferred out after the 2023 campaign. He was one of several Wisconsin transfers to have a breakout 2024 season at a new destination. His path represents the potential benefit of transferring to a lower-level destination where playing time is available. After one year, he’s already back in the Power Four (ACC).

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Former Wisconsin defensive lineman reenters transfer portal

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman reenters transfer portal

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

Kirschke played the 2024 season at Colorado State after beginning his college career with the Badgers. He reenters the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

Related: Where Wisconsin football transfers have signed so far

The former Badger experienced a breakout 2024 campaign with the Rams. He finished with 42 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, two pass deflections, one interception and two forced fumbles. His sack and forced-fumble totals were each sixth best in the Mountain West. His 10 tackles for loss were 10th best.

Kirschke played in one game during his two years at Wisconsin. He joined the program as a walk-on in its class of 2022, choosing the opportunity over scholarship offers from New Mexico State, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado. He was one of numerous players to depart after the 2023 campaign.

The Colorado native is one of several former Badgers to have reentered the portal after one year with a new program. Skyler Bell (UConn), Myles Burkett (Albany) and Keontez Lewis (Southern Illinois) each fall into that category. Lewis defines what expanded opportunity at a new destination can produce: He signed with Oklahoma after a breakout season with the Salukis.

For more on Wisconsin’s offseason roster movement and where these former transfers end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer portal 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.

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Colorado State

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman commits to Colorado State

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke committed to Colorado State on Tuesday.

The sophomore entered the transfer portal on April 18 after two years at Wisconsin. He was previously unranked by 247Sports during the class of 2022 recruiting cycle, and walked on with the Badgers over offers from New Mexico State, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

The Lone Tree, Colorado native appeared in only one game during his redshirt season in 2022, then did not see any playing time during the 2023 campaign.

He joins a Colorado State program that is on the upswing under young head coach Jay Norvell. The Rams went 3-9 in his first season in 2022, then improved to 5-7 last year.

Kirschke is one of eight Badgers to have entered the portal during the spring window. His story is similar to most that entered: far down the depth chart at Wisconsin, so transferred to a place with more available playing time.

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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