Wisconsin football adds Ohio State WR Jayden Ballard via the transfer portal
The Wisconsin Badgers have made their first addition to the wide receiver room from the transfer portal, adding a former blue-chip recruit from Ohio State.
The Wisconsin football program has landed a speedy veteran wide receiver from the portal to bolster its offense for the 2025 season.
Jayden Ballard, a graduate transfer from Ohio State, announced his commitment to Luke Fickell and the Badgers.
A 6-foot-2, 195-pound native of Massillon, Ohio, Ballard brings a big-play element to Wisconsin’s receiving corps.
The former four-star, top-100 recruit in the class of 2021 spent four seasons with the Buckeyes, where his opportunities were limited in a crowded receiver room under Brian Hartline. Over his career, Ballard recorded just 11 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown on just 21 targets, logging 250 offensive snaps and 262 on special teams.
On paper, Ballard’s skill set appears to align well with new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ system, which makes a habit of taking shots downfield off play-action. Per Pro Football Focus, Ballard’s career average depth of target at Ohio State was 12.2 yards, and he topped out at nearly 21 MPH on a 72-yard touchdown reception during the 2022 season.
Ballard’s arrival comes as Wisconsin looks to reshape its wide receiver room following the departures of Will Pauling and C.J. Williams, in addition to the graduation of Bryson Green. He becomes the first wide receiver addition for the Badgers through the portal this offseason, joining a growing group of offensive transfers that includes quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil, plus Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol.
If this staff views Ballard as a replacement for Williams on the outside and slots in as the other boundary receiver, the move makes sense.
His standout speed—an element largely absent from Wisconsin’s roster outside of Vinny Anthony—adds a unique dynamic to the offense. While his ability after the catch may be limited, Ballard’s skill set, particularly his deep-threat potential, offers plenty of intrigue. It will be interesting to see how coach Grimes incorporates Ballard's speed into his system, especially as a complement to returning players like Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna.
With his final season of eligibility ahead, Ballard will aim to make an immediate impact in Madison as the Badgers retool their offense for 2025.
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Good move for him, may very well be a real plus for the receiving corps!!