Tag: Luke Fickell

Wisconsin in contention to land LSU transfer defensive lineman

Wisconsin in contention to land LSU transfer defensive lineman

Wisconsin is one of seven finalists to land LSU transfer defensive lineman Jay’viar Suggs, according to his recent post on X.

The Badgers were listed along with Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Penn State and Tennessee.

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

Suggs is garnering attention from some of the nation’s top programs after spending just one season with the Tigers. He originally transferred from D-II Grand Valley State, where Wisconsin OLBs coach Matt Mitchell was head coach from 2010-22, last offseason.

Suggs’ 2024 campaign included eight games, 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two pass deflections. He previously appeared in 19 combined games in 2022 and 2023 at Grand Valley State, recording 15 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Wisconsin was a top contender to land Suggs last offseason. The team is right back in the mix with him back in the portal.

https://twitter.com/JayviarSuggs7/status/1868504810980549062

Suggs’ recruitment represents the Badgers continuing to prioritize the defensive line this portal cycle. The program has already landed commitments from Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger and Tulane lineman Parker Petersen. It remains in pursuit of several experienced players at the position.

The front seven is a significant position of need with edge rushers Leon Lower (portal) and John Pius (eligibility), and linemen James Thompson Jr. (portal), Curt Neal (portal) and Elijah Hills (eligibility) all gone from last season.

For more on Wisconsin’s top interests and pursuits, 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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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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Former Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman set to visit former Big Ten West rival

Former Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman set to visit former Big Ten West rival

Former Wisconsin top defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. is set to visit Illinois, according to his post on X.

Thompson entered the transfer portal this week after five years with the Badgers. He was a prominent force along their defensive line in 2022 and 2023 before missing most of the 2024 season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

The experienced lineman received a flurry of offers after entering the portal. He has announced visits to Texas A&M and the Illini at this point.

Were he to commit to the Aggies, he’d follow in the footsteps of former Wisconsin lineman Rodas Johnson, who did so after the 2023 campaign.

If Illinois is the choice, he’d not only join a Big Ten rival but also a program set to play the Badgers in 2025. Illini coach Bret Bielema’s connection to Wisconsin will further that storyline.

Thompson Jr. totaled 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks in two seasons as a starter for the Badgers. He’d be a significant addition for an Illinois team that is set to lose production off its defensive line.

The Illini are 9-3 in 2024, tied for fifth in the Big Ten. It’s the program’s first nine-win season since 2007. A win in the Citrus Bowl over South Carolina would bring the program its first 10-win season since 2001.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, is working to build its defensive line with Thompson Jr., Curt Neal (transfer) and Elijah Hills (eligibility) all gone from the 2024 group. This position could do a lot to decide the result when these two teams meet in late-November.

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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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Wisconsin a top contender to land Cal transfer quarterback, No. 2 QB in portal

Wisconsin could be closing in on its next quarterback

Wisconsin is considered one of the contenders to land Cal transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Nakos lists the Badgers among three other top suitors: Georgia, UCLA and Indiana.

Mendoza entered the transfer portal this week after three years at Cal, two as the primary starter. He broke out for a career-best 2024 season, leading the Bears to their second consecutive bowl under head coach Justin Wilcox. Mendoza completed 68.7% of his passes during the campaign for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

247Sports currently ranks him as a four-star transfer recruit, the No. 9 overall player in the portal and the No. 2 quarterback. He is in the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

On the surface, Mendoza seems like a perfect fit for the Badgers. The program just welcomed in top-ranked freshman Carter Smith, though will need a few bridge years before he’s ready to start. Mendoza could provide much-needed stability to a position that has seen three different starters in three years — four in four years when 2025 is considered.

Wisconsin is also looking for immediate results under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. While the program is moving back to a more pro-style approach, strong play under center remains a requisite to compete at the highest level.

The Badgers’ 2025 schedule defines that ‘highest level.’

Mendoza’s recruitment is worth watching as the Badgers battle several top programs for his commitment. Wisconsin has done well the last two offseason to land a highly-pursued veteran. The Cal transfer could be the next to follow.

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Former Wisconsin starting inside linebacker declares for 2025 NFL draft

Former Wisconsin starting inside linebacker declares for 2025 NFL draft

Former Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan State linebacker Jordan Turner declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday.

The veteran linebacker spent the 2024 season with the Spartans after playing the first four years of his career at Wisconsin. He was a two-year starter with the Badgers from 2022-2023, including the first year of the Luke Fickell era with the program.

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

Turner put forth his best statistical season in 2024, finishing with 66 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and a pass deflection in 12 appearances. That production is up a tick from his two-year average of 64.5 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks with the Badgers.

Overall, the former three-star recruit in the class of 2020 has been one of the more consistent linebackers in the Big Ten over the past few seasons.

“After much reflection and many open and honest conversations with my family recently, I believe that I am ready for the next chapter of my career and ready to prepare for my lifelong dream of playing in the National Football League,” Turner wrote on X. “What that being said, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.” He went on to specifically thank Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard in his lengthy statement, two of his three head coaches during his time at Wisconsin.

Turner has yet to receive a concrete day or round projection from any major draft service.

Of note, both he and fellow 2022 and 2023 starting linebacker Maema Njongmeta have found success since departing Wisconsin. Turner was Michigan State’s most productive defender in 2024, while Njongmeta surprisingly made the Cincinnati Bengals’ active roster and is currently helping the team win.

Wisconsin was balanced at inside linebacker in 2024. Christian Alliegro (66 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks), Jake Chaney (55 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack) and Jaheim Thomas (53 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) led the room. All finished the campaign with respectable outputs, but none emerged as a clear-cut star at the position.

Turner’s professional path will be interesting to watch as we continue to monitor how former transfers fared at new destinations.

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Report: Wisconsin schedules visit with Ohio State transfer linebacker

Report: Wisconsin schedules visit with Ohio State transfer linebacker

Wisconsin is one of several major programs to have a visit scheduled with Ohio State transfer linebacker Gabe Powers, according to 247Sports’ Allen Trieu.

Trieu reports that Powers is also set to visit Minnesota and Kansas State.

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

Powers entered the portal this week after three quiet years with the Buckeyes. He originally joined the program as a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, choosing the in-state power over Wisconsin and others.

He played in 24 games over three seasons, primarily on special teams. His totals include 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and one pass deflection.

He’s in the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

Wisconsin is targeting inside linebacker with veterans Jake Chaney and Jaheim Thomas both out of eligibility. Christian Alliegro figures as a primary starter in 2025, with a big question mark at the other starting position. USC transfer Tackett Curtis saw playing time in 2024, though Wisconsin’s portal pursuits indicate the staff’s desire to enter 2025 with more options at the position.

The Badgers appear to have serious competition to land Powers’ commitment, which could signal how the sport views his potential. After being a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, a starting opportunity may be all he needs to break out.

Bookmark our offer and visit tracker for more information on Wisconsin’s scheduled visits at this stage of the process.

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Wisconsin football full 2025 schedule

A look at what Wisconsin faces in 2025. It’s a gauntlet:

This story was updated to add new information.

Wisconsin’s full schedule for the 2025 football season is out. The word ‘gauntlet’ is an apt description of what the Badgers face.

Luke Fickell’s team opens the season with two home nonconference matchups (Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee) before a road trip to face what should be a top-ranked Alabama team.

Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin’s newly-released 2025 football schedule

The Badgers then return home to begin Big Ten play. Unlike a Big Ten West-era schedule that may have one or two premier games, the slate is a test from start to finish.

Luke Fickell’s team opens conference play at home against Maryland, before beginning a headline-grabbing month of October: at Michigan, vs. Iowa, vs. Ohio State, at Oregon. The Badgers then close vs. Washington, at Indiana, vs. Illinois and at rival Minnesota.

We’ve outlined big takeaways from the schedule, including a general recalibration of expectations. For more on each matchup and Wisconsin’s recent history against that program, here is an extended look at what the Badgers face in 2025:

Week 1: Miami (OH) (home)

Date: Aug. 30

Miami (OH) 2024 Record: 8-5, 7-1 MAC, Arizona Bowl vs. Colorado State

Series History: Wisconsin is 1-0 all-time, a 58-0 win in 2015.

Wisconsin begins with appears to be a lighter home matchup against Miami (OH) — though the RedHawks have become one of the better programs in the MAC. These games will be critical as Jeff Grimes installs his offense and the team works to build an identity.

Week 2: Middle Tennessee (home)

Date: Sept. 6

Middle Tennessee 2024 Record: 3-9, 2-6 CUSA

Series History: Zero prior matchups

Middle Tennessee is by far the easiest matchup on the schedule. The Blue Raiders went 3-9 in 2024 under first-year head coach Derek Mason. Before the upcoming gauntlet, these first two games are necessary wins.

Week 3: Alabama (away)

Date: Sept. 13

Alabama 2024 Record: 9-3, 5-3 SEC, ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Michigan

Series History: Alabama is 2-1 all-time, including a 42-10 win in 2024.

Wisconsin’s tough stretch begins in Week 3 with a trip to Alabama to complete the home-and-home series. The Crimson Tide beat the Badgers 42-10 at Camp Randall this season. A road matchup against what will likely be a top-ranked team doesn’t project to be any easier.

Week 4: Maryland (home)

Date: Sept. 20

Maryland Record: 4-8, 1-8 Big Ten

Series History: Wisconsin is 4-0 all time, including a 23-10 win in 2022.

On paper, Maryland looks like Wisconsin’s easiest conference game. The Terrapins struggled in 2024 after a string of 8-5 seasons from 2022-23. Mike Locksley’s program needs a rebound. For Wisconsin’s season-long outlook, this needs to be a win.

Week 5: Bye Week

Wisconsin gets a bye week on each end of its October gauntlet. This week will serve as an important re-set before the biggest stretch of the season.

Week 6: Michigan (away)

Date: Oct. 4

Michigan 2024 Record: 7-5, 5-4 Big Ten, ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Alabama

Series History: Michigan is 52-17-1 all-time, though Wisconsin has won two of the last three (2019, 2020). Last meeting was a 38-17 Michigan win in 2021.

The month of October projects to be quite the challenge for the Badgers. It begins with a road trip to Michigan — a team that projects to be improving entering 2025. The Badgers had great success against the Wolverines from 2017-20. That halted in 2021, the last time these two teams played.

Week 7: Iowa (home)

Date: Oct. 11

Iowa 2024 Record: 8-4, 6-3 Big Ten, Music City Bowl vs. Missouri

Series History: Wisconsin leads the all-time series 49-47-2. Iowa is winners of the last three meetings, and four of the last five.

Wisconsin is 0-2 against the Hawkeyes in the Luke Fickell era, including a 42-10 loss in 2024. This rivalry matchup could go on to define the team’s 2025 season, as it won’t be expected to win matchups against Ohio State or Oregon.

Week 8: Ohio State (home)

Date: Oct. 18

Ohio State 2024 Record: 10-2, 7-2 Big Ten, CFP first round vs. Tennessee

Series History: Ohio State leads 63-18-5, bolstered by a 10-game win streak dating back to 2010. That streak includes wins in the 2014, 2017 and 2019 Big Ten title games.

Wisconsin played Ohio State close at home in 2023, falling 24-10. The Badgers need to do the same in 2025. It is just another of a large collection of high-profile home games in the Luke Fickell era. 2025 needs to be the year one or those matchups is won.

Week 9: Oregon (away)

Date: Oct. 25

Oregon 2024 Record: 12-0, 9-0 Big Ten, CFP quarterfinal (first-round bye)

Series History: Oregon leads 4-3 all-time, including a 16-13 win in 2024. The series is highlighted by two Rose Bowl matchups (2012, 2020). Oregon won both.

This projects as the toughest game on Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule. The Ducks are the current class of the sport. A road trip to Eugene, Oregon makes that matchup even more daunting. The Badgers fared well against the Ducks in 2024, falling 16-13. They will need a repeat performance.

Week 10: Bye Week

Wisconsin gets a bye after that October gauntlet. It will likely need a re-set before a critical closing stretch of the season. Just like this past season, bowl eligibility will likely be at stake over the final month.

Week 11: Washington (home)

Date: Nov. 8

Washington 2024 Record: 6-6, 4-5 Big Ten, Sun Bowl vs. Louisville

Series History: Washington is 4-0 all-time. The last meeting was in 1992 (27-10 Washington win).

Wisconsin meets Washington in 2025 for the first time since the Huskies joined the Big Ten. This is an interesting matchup — Washington went 6-6 in 2024 after a national title trip in 2023. The Huskies should only improve under Jedd Fisch. But this game doesn’t reach the challenge of the Ohio State, Oregon or Michigan matchups.

Week 12: Indiana (away)

Date: Nov. 15

Indiana 2024 Record: 11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, CFP first round vs. Notre Dame

Series History: Wisconsin leads 41-20-2. Indiana has won two straight — 14-6 in 2020 and 20-14 in 2023.

This game is a significant wild card on Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule. Historically, Indiana is among the bottom teams in the Big Ten. But the Hoosiers went 11-1 and made the College Football Playoff in the first year under Curt Cignetti. This game could look entirely different come next November.

Week 13: Illinois (home)

Date: Nov. 22

Illinois 2024 Record: 9-3, 6-3 Big Ten, Citrus Bowl vs. South Carolina

Series History: Wisconsin leads 45-39-7, including a last-second win in 2023.

The final two games could be must-wins for the Badgers as they look to return to bowl eligibility. Illinois is another former Big Ten West program looking to establish a place in the new conference landscape. It had a program-best season in 2024, momentarily elevating it above Wisconsin and others.

Week 14: Minnesota (away)

Date: Nov. 29

Minnesota 2024 Record: 7-5, 5-4 Big Ten, Duke’s Mayo Bowl vs. Virginia Tech

Series History: Series is tied 63-63-8 all-time. Minnesota has won three of the last four, including a 24-7 win in 2024.

This the importance of this matchup should go without saying. Wisconsin’s season-ending loss to Minnesota was costly — it closed a 5-7 campaign and saw the Badgers miss a bowl game for the first time since 2001. This game needs to be a win in 2025.

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