Wisconsin receives low grade for its spring transfer portal window haul

Wisconsin receives low grade for its spring transfer portal window haul

National college recruiting website Rivals awarded Wisconsin football a letter ‘C’ grade for the program’s moves during the spring transfer portal window.

The window was open from April 16-30 for players to enter. Some in the portal remain uncommitted, as there is no deadline to find a new destination.

Wisconsin in total saw seven players enter the portal: QB Nick Evers, DL T.J. Bollers, DL Gabe Kirschke, WR Tommy McIntosh, DL Mike Jarvis, CB A.J. Tisdell and CB Michael Mack.

It has added three thus far: Vanderbilt offensive lineman Leyton Nelson, Illinois offensive lineman Joey Okla and Boston College wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr.

Despite the necessary depth additions along the offensive line and one at receiver, Wisconsin witnessed some of its key defensive line transfer targets commit to other Power 4 programs. Top DL transfer targets C.J. West, Jay’Viar Suggs and Khurtiss Perry committed to Indiana, LSU and Virginia Tech respectively.

 

The Badgers remain on the hunt for defensive lineman in the portal — they are still a finalist for former Wyoming DL Gavin Meyer.

Rivals’ grades all fell into the range of B+ to C-. That tight range is likely due to a lack of impactful transfers, with most top players having already moved during the winter period.

The Badgers total transfer class from winter to spring remains ranked as one of the Big Ten’s best. It is set to play an integral role in the team’s success this season.

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.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

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.

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.

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Illinois transfer offensive lineman spotted at Wisconsin football spring practice

Illinois transfer OL spotted at Wisconsin football spring practice

The Wisconsin Badgers football team had their 10th practice of the spring Saturday and Illinois transfer offensive lineman Joey Okla was reportedly in attendance.

Okla is from Hartland, Wisconsin, and he joined the Fighting Illini as a three-star recruit in the 2022 cycle. The interior offensive lineman appeared in one game with Illinois in 2023 after redshirting his first season.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 spring transfer portal window tracker

Wisconsin’s former coaching staff did not offer Okla during his high school career at at Arrowhead, but Luke Fickell and the current staff appear interested in reeling him in from the transfer portal.

If Okla chooses to join the Badgers, he’d provide the team with a strong reserve option behind Joe Brunner, Jake Renfro and Joe Huber on the interior of the offensive line.

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