Wisconsin football lands Idaho transfer wide receiver Mark Hamper
The Wisconsin Badgers have made their second addition to the wide receiver room from the transfer portal, adding a standout from Idaho.
The Wisconsin football coaching staff has added another playmaker from the FCS ranks out of the transfer portal.
On Friday morning, the Badgers landed a commitment from Idaho wide receiver Mark Hamper after his official visit to Madison over reported offers from USC, Arizona State, Utah, Washington State, and Stanford.
"AGTG! Committed @badgerfootball," Hamper wrote in an Instagram post.
Hamper, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound pass-catcher, is coming off a standout redshirt sophomore season playing under former Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Jason Eck with the Vandals. He tallied 49 receptions for 961 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, averaging an impressive 19.6 yards per catch en route to Big Sky honorable mention honors.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hamper earned a 76.1 offensive grade and a 77.4 grade as a receiver last season. He was particularly effective against man coverage, ranking in the 86th percentile nationally. He also made a name for himself after the catch, finishing in the 86th percentile in YAC. Hamper’s ability to create explosive plays and stretch defenses vertically makes him a much-needed addition to Wisconsin’s offense.
The Oregon native brings good speed, plus size, and proven playmaking ability at the FCS level to Kenny Guiton’s wide receiver room, which struggled to consistently generate big plays in 2024. With two years of eligibility remaining, Hamper is expected to step in and compete for a role on the boundary in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ system, which emphasizes a vertical passing attack as a complementary piece to the ground game.Â
Hamper joins a Wisconsin offense in transition. This offseason, the Badgers lost Will Pauling and C.J. Williams, along with several of their signal callers, to the transfer portal. However, they have responded by adding Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol, and Ohio State wideout Jayden Ballard through the portal. These players will pair with returning pieces like Vinny Anthony, Trech Kekahuna, and Darrion Dupree.
Quincy Burroughs, Kyan Berry-Johnson, Joseph Griffin Jr., Tyrell Henry, Chris Brooks Jr., and incoming freshman Eugene Hilton Jr. will also be in the mix for spots in the two-deep when spring practice rolls around.
The commitment of a player like Hamper in the transfer portal is a nice addition to a Wisconsin team retooling its offense for the 2025 season. With his experience, Hamper figures to make an immediate impact as the Badgers strive to revitalize their passing game under coach Grimes.
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