Wisconsin lands big-time former SEC transfer portal linebacker

Wisconsin lands big-time linebacker in the transfer portal

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell and his staff continue their strong work in the transfer portal. Today the program received a commitment from former Arkansas linebacker Jaheim Thomas, its 10th portal commitment this offseason.

Thomas is fresh off a 90-tackle, 6.5 tackle-for-loss, 3.5-sack 2023 campaign with the Razorbacks. He previously played three years under Fickell at Cincinnati, which makes this connection easy to make.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native is ranked as a three-star transfer, the No. 184 player in the portal and the No. 13 linebacker.

Thomas is Wisconsin’s fourth commitment at the position, inside plus outside, in the portal this offseason. The need was clear after starter Jordan Turner transferred to Michigan State and starter Maema Njongmeta entered the NFL Draft. It also furthers the trend of Fickell and Tressel looking for players who fit their specific system, one that is different than what the staff took over after last season.

Wisconsin’s portal class will rank in the top 20 after this commitment. Pair that with a high school class ranked No. 26, and we’re looking at an impressive infusion of talent entering 2024.