Ball State transfer tight end Tanner Koziol commits to Wisconsin football
Former Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol has committed to the Wisconsin Badgers football team after an official visit.
The Wisconsin Badgers have made a significant addition to their offense, picking up a commitment from Ball State transfer tight end Tanner Koziol.
The 6-foot-7, 255-pound pass-catcher committed to Wisconsin on Saturday following his visit to Madison, giving the Badgers offense one of the most sought-after and productive tight ends from the transfer portal.
A native of Bloomingdale, Illinois, Koziol is coming off a breakout junior season for the Cardinals in which he recorded 94 receptions for 839 yards and eight touchdowns, earning second-team All-MAC honors.
Over three years at Ball State, Koziol appeared in 36 games, catching 163 passes for 1,607 yards and 18 touchdowns, showcasing his ability as one of the premier pass-catching tight ends in college football.
According to Pro Football Focus, Koziol earned an elite 89.0 offensive grade and a 90.4 mark as a receiver, with strong grades in both pass (74.5) and run blocking (64.3), adding further value to this pickup for Wisconsin.
Koziol fills a critical need for the Badgers at tight end, a position that struggled to produce consistent results in 2024 under position coach Nate Letton. Returning players Tucker Ashcraft, JT Seagreaves, and Jackson McGohan combined for just 17 receptions and 128 yards last season. It’s also worth noting that starter Riley Nowakowski opted to enter the transfer portal this offseason and finish his career elsewhere.
With Koziol’s ability to stretch the field and serve as a reliable target in the passing game, he is expected to be a cornerstone piece in new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ system that features a lot of 11 and 12 personnel.
His arrival also allows younger tight ends like Grant Stec and Robert Booker, plus members of the incoming class like Emmett Bork and Nizyi Davis more time to develop as the Badgers continue to build depth at the position.
Koziol’s decision to wrap up his recruitment without taking any additional visits illustrates the aggressive approach Wisconsin's staff is taking to address key needs through the transfer portal this offseason.
With Koziol in the fold, he is now the second transfer to commit to Wisconsin this offseason, joining Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger.
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Much-needed help at that position! Good job!