Wisconsin football losing playmaking slot receiver to the transfer portal
Wisconsin Badgers wideout Trech Kekahuna announced that he'll enter the transfer portal after two seasons in the football program.
The University of Wisconsin football program is set to lose one of its top young playmakers in the wide receiver room to the transfer portal.
Redshirt freshman receiver Trech Kekahuna has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on Dec. 9, as first reported by Pete Thamel and confirmed by BadgerNotes.
Over two seasons in Madison, Kekahuna appeared in 17 games, catching 29 passes for 403 yards and two touchdowns.
Kekahuna, a four-star recruit from Honolulu, Hawaii, was one of head coach Luke Fickell’s top signees during his first National Signing Day with the Badgers in 2022. Despite a foot injury sidelining him for most of his freshman year in 2023, Kekahuna showcased his potential during the ReliaQuest Bowl against LSU, where he caught four passes for 64 yards.
That performance hinted at what many hoped would be a bright future in Wisconsin’s offense.
Heading into the 2024 season, Kekahuna was expected to split reps in the slot with Will Pauling, the Badgers’ leading receiver in 2023. However, that plan never fully materialized for Kekahuna under this staff as Pauling dominated the snap count, leaving him in more of a supporting role than expected.
Kekahuna’s best game came against Purdue, where the 5-foot-10 pass-catcher recorded six catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t carry through the rest of the season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kekahuna earned a 66.3 overall offensive grade, including a 67.7 mark as a receiver. Kekahuna wrapped up the 2024 season with 25 receptions for 339 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
He logged the fifth-most snaps (316) among Wisconsin’s receivers, trailing Pauling, Vinny Anthony, Bryson Green, and C.J. Williams, as the coaching staff struggled to carve out consistent opportunities for Kekahuna.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Kekahuna’s departure is a tough blow for a Wisconsin football team navigating what's expected to endure significant roster turnover this offseason. His talent and playmaking ability will undoubtedly make him a sought-after player in the portal, leaving the Badgers with a sizeable hole to fill in their receiving corps.
Kekahuna becomes the ninth known Wisconsin Badgers player to announce their intent to enter the transfer portal this offseason. He joins Cole LaCrue, Leon Lowery, Amare Snowden, Jonas Duclona, Justin Taylor, Curt Neal, Jace Arnold, and Braedyn Moore, although there will be others.
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