Wisconsin football lands Bethel University safety transfer Matt Jung

Wisconsin football adds Bethel University safety transfer Matt Jung, a Neenah native with 16 career interceptions, to its secondary for 2025.

The University of Wisconsin football program has bolstered its secondary with an intriguing pickup from the transfer portal that’s making the transition to a much higher level of competition.

Bethel University safety Matt Jung has committed to the Badgers.

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The Neenah native brings an impressive combination of production and versatility to a Wisconsin defense looking to reload this offseason.

Jung, who starred at the Division 3 level over the past two seasons, posted eye-popping numbers during his time at Bethel University. He racked up 181 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 16 interceptions—six of which he returned for touchdowns—and 3.5 sacks in 25 games.

His sophomore season playing for Mike McElroy was particularly dominant, with 109 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, nine interceptions—four of which were pick-sixes, 11 pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Notably, Jung contributed on special teams as well, averaging 22.1 yards per kick return and 13.4 yards per punt return.

Thanks to his impressive production, Jung was named MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, earned D3 All-American honors, and was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, awarded to the top player in Division III football.

At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Jung’s physicality and instinctual playstyle make him an ideal fit for Wisconsin’s defensive system that puts a lot of responsibility on the plates of their safeties. The coaching staff identified Jung’s ability to play safety and in the box as a key asset. His knack for making plays on the ball and his willingness to mix it up in run defense set him apart as one of the most intriguing portal players they've added.

Jung’s commitment comes after a busy recruiting process that saw him receive offers from several programs, including Iowa, Washington State, Kent State, UTEP, Buffalo, Western Michigan, and Iowa State.

Ultimately, the opportunity for Jung to return home and play for the Wisconsin Badgers proved too compelling to pass up.

With two seasons of eligibility remaining, plus a potential redshirt year in his back pocket, Jung figures to compete for an immediate role in Wisconsin’s two-deep. The Badgers bring back starters Preston Zachman and Austin Brown, who could be an option to stay at the nickel position, but they have few other proven options with meaningful Big Ten experience.

Wisconsin has already added Richmond transfer Matthew Traynor to provide depth at the position, while redshirt freshman Raphael Dunn is expected to be in the mix for snaps as well. Additionally, incoming freshmen Remington Moss, Luke Emmerich, and Grant Dean will look to carve out roles in the safety room. After Zachman, however, things will be mostly up in the air when spring practice and fall camp roll around.

The Badgers staff has now added seven defensive players from the transfer portal as they continue to reshape their roster for 2025.

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