Wisconsin football lands LSU transfer defensive lineman Jay'viar Suggs
The Wisconsin Badgers have made their fifth addition to the defensive line room from the transfer portal, adding an experienced player from LSU.
The Wisconsin football program’s efforts to revamp its defensive line this offseason have been nothing short of relentless.
That trend continued on Friday with the addition of LSU transfer defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs. The news of Suggs' commitment was first reported by On3's Hayes Fawcett and confirmed by Badgernotes.
He chose the Badgers over a group of finalists comprised of USC, Arkansas, Florida State, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Suggs initially entered the transfer portal last spring and visited Wisconsin in late April, with the Badgers making his top four before he ultimately committed to LSU. After announcing that he was back in the portal this offseason, Suggs made another trip to Madison last month.
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Michigan native, becomes the latest piece in E.J. Whitlow’s retooled position group. He brings valuable college experience into the fold, having appeared in 12 games for LSU last season, recording 10 tackles, 11 pressures, 3.0 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks in 133 total snaps for the Tigers.
According to Pro Football Focus, Suggs earned a 75.8 defensive grade and an 81.4 grade as a pass-rusher in the SEC last season.
Suggs ranked in the 99th percentile for pass-rush grade and pass-rush grade on true pass-rush snaps while also finishing in the 97th percentile for pass-rush win percentage. On top of that, his 77th percentile run-stop grade highlights his effectiveness against the run in limited snaps.
Combined with his ability to push the pocket and generate pressure on the interior, Suggs becomes a valuable addition to Wisconsin’s defense.
Prior to his time at LSU, Suggs played 18 games at Grand Valley State under current Wisconsin outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, where he amassed 42 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks for the Lakers.
With key losses on the defensive line, including Elijah Hills (eligibility), James Thompson Jr., and Curt Neal (transfer portal), Wisconsin faced an urgent need to rebuild its depth in the trenches and search for impact talent at a position that was already a glaring weakness in 2024.
Suggs is now the fifth defensive lineman to join the Badgers this offseason via the transfer portal, alongside Parker Petersen, Micheal Garner, Corey Walker, and Charles Perkins.
The Badgers are still waiting to see if Ben Barten will return for a sixth season, while Brandon Lane and Dillan Johnson are expected back. Additionally, Wisconsin signed promising high school prospects Torin Pettaway, Drayden Pavey, and Xavier Ukponu in the 2025 class.
Suggs becomes one of 17 transfer additions for the Badgers this offseason, further solidifying the program’s commitment to reloading through the portal as they look ahead to the 2025 season.
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