Tag: Trech Kekahuna

Wisconsin transfer wide receiver to exit portal, return to the Badgers

Big news for Wisconsin’s offense

Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna is exiting the transfer portal and returning to the Badgers, according to his recent Instagram post.

The sophomore receiver announced his intention to enter the portal last week after the Badgers’ season-closing loss to Minnesota. He now returns to the program with three years of eligibility remaining.

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

Kekahuna tallied 25 catches, 339 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a reserve role as a redshirt freshman in 2024. Veteran Will Pauling dominated snaps at slot receiver, making it challenging for the underclassman to consistently see the field.

The Hawaii native entered the portal last week as the program was in search of its new offensive coordinator, plus did so with Pauling’s potential return for 2025 still up in the air. There is no answer to the latter. But the program officially hired Jeff Grimes in recent days, setting a clear vision for the future of the unit.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDdebEys6yQ/?hl=en

Kekahuna’s speed and explosive playmaking ability are a fit in any offensive system. His return is significant news for a unit that will need to lead a resurgent season.

Wisconsin has been in pursuit of several accomplished transfer wide receivers since the portal officially opened on Monday. That initiative may continue, but Kekahuna’s return makes the position less of a significant need entering 2025 and beyond.

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Minnesota in pursuit of Wisconsin top transfer wide receiver

Minnesota in pursuit of Wisconsin top transfer wide receiver

The Minnesota Golden Gophers extended an offer to Wisconsin transfer wide receiver Trech Kekahuna on Tuesday.

The offer follows Kekahuna’s recent decision to enter the portal after playing two years with the Badgers. He is one of 15 Wisconsin scholarship players (17 overall) to enter since the portal officially opened on Monday.

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

The speedy slot receiver caught 25 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns for the Badgers in 2024. His role was somewhat limited throughout the season as veteran Will Pauling dominated snaps and touches at the position.

Kekahuna’s best outing was a six-catch, 134-yard, 2-touchdown game against Purdue on Oct. 5. The breakout gave a glimpse at what he’s capable of with top-end speed and ability.

https://twitter.com/trechkekahuna/status/1866501104441438345

Kekahuna departed the Badgers’ wide receiver room as the program changes its offensive system under new coordinator Jeff Grimes. Wisconsin’s passing offense ranked No. 14 in the Big Ten in 2024 despite Phil Longo’s air raid approach.

Minnesota, meanwhile, ranked No. 10 led by veteran quarterback Max Brosmer.

Kekahuna garnering significant interest is not a big story. He shouldn’t have trouble finding a strong destination to play his remaining years of eligibility. The story is Minnesota’s pursuit. Wisconsin-to-Minnesota transfers, or vise versa, are incredibly rare — that’s what made Markus Allen’s jump back and forth between the programs in 2022 such a surprise.

Kekahuna also has announced offers from Arizona, Washington State, New Mexico State, UNLV, San Jose State, Wyoming, Houston, UConn, Hawaii, Utah, East Carolina, Michigan State, NC State and Iowa State. There is no shortage of interest. We’ll see if Minnesota can win the recruiting battle.

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Luke Fickell’s first recruiting class has been decimated by the transfer portal

Luke Fickell’s first recruiting class has been decimated by the transfer portal

Many applauded Luke Fickell for his work in the class of 2023 recruiting cycle after arriving on campus in early December.

The class was mostly in shambles after Paul Chryst was fired a few months earlier. Fickell hit the ground running, pushing the class to 15 commitments and a respectable ranking of No. 58 in the nation.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal tracker

Now exactly two years later, most of that class is no longer with the program. With offensive lineman James Durand entering the transfer portal on Friday, 11 of that 15-player class has now departed. Two did so after the 2023 season — edge rusher Jordan Mayer and cornerback A.J. Tisdell. A whopping nine players have joined that list just in the last week.

Here is an extended look at the entire class ordered by 247Sports ranking:

  • S Braedyn Moore — transfer portal (Dec. 3, 2024)
  • WR Trech Kekahuna — transfer portal (Dec. 4, 2024)
  • iOL James Durand — transfer portal (Dec. 6, 2024)
  • CB Amare Snowden — transfer portal (Dec. 1, 2024)
  • CB Jonas Duclona — transfer portal (Dec. 2, 2024)
  • DL Jamel Howard — Wisconsin backup defensive lineman
  • CB A.J. Tisdell — transferred to Incarnate Word (April 26, 2024)
  • CB Jace Arnold — transfer portal (Dec. 3, 2024)
  • RB Nate White — transfer portal (Dec. 4, 2024)
  • Edge Jordan Mayer — transferred to Penn State (Dec. 7, 2023)
  • TE Tucker Ashcraft — Wisconsin starting tight end
  • LB Tyler Jansey — Wisconsin backup linebacker
  • S Justin Taylor — transfer portal (Dec. 3, 2024)
  • LB Christian Alliegro — Wisconsin starting inside linebacker
  • QB Cole LaCrue — transfer portal (Nov. 21, 2024)

Just Jamel Howard, Tucker Ashcraft, Tyler Jansey and Christian Alliegro remain with the program from that class. Ashcraft and Alliegro played prominent on-field roles this past season.

The circumstance with every player is different. Both LaCrue and White faced uphill battles for snaps and playing time, while the opposite can be said for those numerous members of the secondary.

The most glaring departure by far is Kekahuna. The talented wide receiver was arguably underutilized in Phil Longo’s offense throughout the 2024 season. Though Will Pauling may return as Wisconsin’s top slot receiver in 2025, Kekahuna figured to play a significant role in the team’s new offensive system — whatever that specifically looks like.

This wave of exits crushes the team’s depth at cornerback and safety, adding the two positions as significant needs this transfer cycle. More than that, it also signals the current age of the sport. High school recruiting is still paramount. But excelling in that area won’t tell the full story when numerous players across the country transfer within their first two years at the college level.

The movement can likely be credited to the state of the sport. It’s something that needs to be a one-off, however. Fickell and his staff can’t afford another wave of departures from its top-ranked 2024 or 2025 classes.

For more on Wisconsin’s recent transfer movement and what it means for the team moving forward, bookmark our 2024 transfer portal tracker.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin loses projected top wide receiver to the transfer portal

BREAKING: Wisconsin loses top wide receiver to the transfer portal

Wisconsin redshirt freshman Trech Kekahuna is entering the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Kekahuna is the ninth Badger to enter the portal since the team’s season concluded last Friday. He is the second member of the two-deep to depart, following starting defensive lineman Curt Neal.

Related: Key takeaways from Wisconsin’s early wave of transfer portal losses

The talented slot receiver first joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023. He first committed to the program in June 2022, back when Paul Chryst was still at the helm. He decommitted when Chryst was fired in-season but re-committed after Luke Fickell was hired in late November.

Kekahuna showed significant promise in Phil Longo’s air raid offense. His breakout performance was a four-catch, 64-yard outing as a true freshman in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl. He then backed that outing up with a strong 2024 season as the team’s backup slot receiver, finishing with 25 catches, 339 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Wisconsin’s in-season firing of Phil Longo likely played a role in Kekahuna’s decision. He is a tailor-made fit for Longo’s air raid attack, though may not be a perfect fit with the program’s yet-to-be-determined new offensive system.

Either way, Kekahuna’s departure is a major loss for the Badgers. He was among the most promising offensive playmakers on the team. With Will Pauling out of eligibility, Kekahuna figured to slide into the starting slot receiver role in 2025.

Add wide receiver to Wisconsin’s growing list of major needs this offseason. Until the team lands commitments, bookmark our 2024 transfer portal tracker to stay up-to-date on the full list of departures.

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Wisconsin wide receiver earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

Wisconsin wide receiver earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday.

The honor comes just two days after Kekahuna torched the Purdue Boilermakers in UW’s 52-6 win at Camp Randall. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native accumulated six receptions for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win before a jam-packed home crowd.

According to Wisconsin assistant director of brand communications Nate Jelinek, Kekahuna is the first Wisconsin wide receiver to earn a weekly conference distinction since 2008 (David Gilreath).

As if that weren’t enough, Kekahuna was the only Big Ten player to tally 100+ yards and a touchdown in Week 6. That’s in a conference featuring Oregon’s Tez Johnson, USC’s Zachariah Branch, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Kekahuna’s most memorable play came early in the third quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke laced a ball over the middle of the field for a 69-yard touchdown strike to push Wisconsin’s lead to 28-6. He averaged over 22 yards per catch on Saturday, an indication of the type of downfield damage he can inflict on opposing defenses in the coming weeks.

The 5-foot-10 pass-catcher will look to build off his monumental day against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 12. The contest will serve as an excellent opportunity for Locke to lean on his playmakers before Wisconsin’s schedule turns challenging in late October and November.

Best photos from Wisconsin’s dominant win over Purdue Boilermakers

Photo gallery from Wisconsin’s dominant win over Purdue Boilermakers

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated Purdue 52-6 on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium. It was the team’s 18th consecutive victory against their Big Ten rival and the largest margin of victory in the series’ history.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke completed 20 of 31 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing two interceptions. He became the first Wisconsin QB to throw for more than 300 yards in a Big Ten game since Joel Stave in 2015.

On the receiving end, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna had himself a day, reeling in six catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including a 69-yard score in the third quarter. Vinny Anthony also added a touchdown through the air, scoring with a 52-yard catch and run in the first half.

The Badgers’ dominance wasn’t only through the air, however, as the team also combined for 228 rushing yards on 41 carries. Tawee Walker led the way with 19 totes for 94 yards and three touchdowns, securing his second straight multi-touchdown performance.

The Badgers will look to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to face Rutgers in Piscataway on Saturday in Week 7. In the meantime, here are some of the best photos from Wisconsin’s big win:

Wisconsin wide receiver explodes for career-best performance in win over Purdue

Wisconsin wide receiver explodes for career-best performance in win over Purdue

Wisconsin redshirt freshman wide receiver Trech Kekahuna posted his career-best output vs. the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.

Kekahuna, who had recorded four receptions for 42 yards through his first four appearances of the 2024 campaign, shined with six receptions for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 52-6 victory at Camp Randall Stadium.

His most impressive sequence arrived with roughly 12 minutes to spare in the third quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke found the speedster for a 13-yard catch in the middle of the field. Kekahuna turned the snag into a 69-yard touchdown and extended Wisconsin’s lead to 28-6.

Kekahuna paced all Badger pass-catchers in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns on the day. Part of his contribution was a product of Purdue’s weak secondary and an early injury to star wide receiver Will Pauling. But Kekahuna’s ability to create yards in open space should be utilized for the remainder of the season.

The Honolulu, Hawaii, native first flashed his offensive brilliance in Wisconsin’s final contest of 2023. Kekahuna recorded four catches for 64 yards when the Badgers squared off against LSU on Jan. 1, 2024, in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He is now showing further signs of growth in 2024.

Kekahuna and Wisconsin will continue its season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Wisconsin reaches home game scoring milestone in win vs. Purdue

Wisconsin reaches home game scoring milestone in win vs Purdue

Wisconsin football recorded its most points in a Big Ten home game since 2014 in its 52-6 victory over Purdue on Saturday.

The last time UW surpassed the 52-point mark at home came against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2014 (59 points). Former UW running back legend Melvin Gordon recorded an FBS-record 408 rushing yards in the triumph. At the time, Nebraska held the No. 16 ranking in the country while Wisconsin boasted the Associated Press’ No. 20 position in the nation’s hierarchy.

The Badgers absolutely dominated the Boilermakers on both the offensive and defensive end in the blowout home victory. The win marks UW’s 18th consecutive triumph over Purdue and the most points against the Boilermakers since the Badgers’ 62-point output in 2011.

Wisconsin accumulated 597 combined passing and rushing yards on the day. Quarterback Braedyn Locke threw for 359 passing yards and three touchdowns on the day, and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna reeled in a career-best six passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Tawee Walker also led Wisconsin’s backfield with 94 rushing yards three touchdowns. He, alongside Dilin Jones, Cade Yacamelli, Darrion Dupree and Gideon Ituka, accounted for 234 rushing yards behind a sturdy offensive line.

While Purdue is far from the Big Ten’s best, the output is a big victory for the Badgers following a 38-21 debacle against the USC Trojans a weekend ago. The team will continue its journey towards bowl season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Oct. 12.

WATCH: Wisconsin WR Trech Kekahuna breaks away for 69-yard touchdown vs. Purdue

WATCH: Wisconsin WR Trech Kekahuna breaks away for 69-yard touchdown vs. Purdue

Wisconsin is on its way to its third win of the 2024 season, and first in Big Ten play. The Badgers currently lead the Purdue Boilermakers 28-6 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

While the score discrepancy is significant, Wisconsin has not played the cleanest game thus far. QB Braedyn Locke has thrown two interceptions — takeaways became Purdue’s first and second of the season, respectively.

But the Badgers have dominated in the red zone with two touchdowns on two possessions. Purdue, meanwhile, has kicked field goals on each of its two red zone trips.

One other big difference between the two teams is explosive plays. Wisconsin has connected on two explosive touchdowns, one to Vinny Anthony and another to redshirt freshman Trech Kekahuna.

Kekahuna’s touchdown is the highlight of the afternoon thus far. Wisconsin’s offensive line gave Locke hours to find an open receiver, which he did. The speedster Kekahuna then did the rest:

Locke is 12 for 21 passing on the afternoon for 216 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Kekahuna leads the way with five receptions, 109 yards and the one touchdown.

Wisconsin is looking to hold onto its first victory since defeating South Dakota 27-13 back on Sept. 7.

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How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

Wisconsin wide receivers Will Pauling, Trech Kekahuna and Bryson Green led the charge for UW’s wide receiver room vs. Western Michigan on Friday.

The three wideouts combined for 13 catches, 133 yards and a two-point conversion during the Week 1 victory against the Broncos at Camp Randall.

As a whole, Wisconsin’s offense was inconsistent throughout the entire match. Facing a 14-13 deficit early in the fourth quarter, UW appeared almost lethargic.

Nonetheless, its three main pass-catching cogs made a handful of plays to help ignite its offense when needed.

Pauling, who entered this season as UW’s No. 1 option at wide receiver, finished with a game-best six catches for 60 yards. He served as Tyler Van Dyke’s safety valve throughout the entire contest and showcased his ability to gain yards after the catch during much of the second half.

Green, Wisconsin’s long range pass-catching threat, registered four catches for 39 yards during the first half. Kekahuna, meanwhile, secured three catches for 34 yards and a timely two-point conversion to push UW ahead 21-14 in the fourth quarter.

Even though the counting stats appear somewhat respectable, Wisconsin’s run game did most of the damage on offense. For a unit committed to an air-raid scheme, the Badgers will need to lean on their playmakers if they wish to compete against Alabamas Oregons Penn State and USC this season.

Luckily for Van Dyke, this trio is more than capable when given the opportunity. Pauling is arguably as quick as any slot receiver in the conference, Green can snag jump balls with his 6’3” frame and Kekahuna knows how to maneuver his way open in the middle of the field.

UW plays its second game of the season against the University of South Dakota on Sept. 7 at Camp Randall.