Wisconsin football slot receiver returns after brief stint in the transfer portal
In an unexpected turn of events, Wisconsin Badgers slot receiver Trech Kekahuna has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal.
The University of Wisconsin football program has once again found itself as the landing spot for a talented and indecisive young player who just can’t seem to stay away from the Badgers.
In a surprising turn of events, Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna announced that he has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and will return to Madison for the 2025 season.
The move comes a week after the redshirt freshman wideout publicized his intention to leave the program. Citing a desire to find a starting spot somewhere else, Kekahuna expressed frustration about his limited role in the team's offense and his lack of opportunities in the passing game.
Kekahuna, a former four-star recruit out of Honolulu, Hawaii, initially committed to former head coach Paul Chryst. However, Kekahuna had second thoughts after he was fired and briefly committed to Arizona before flipping back to Wisconsin on National Signing Day, becoming a surprise addition to Luke Fickell’s first recruiting class with the Badgers.
Despite battling a foot injury that sidelined him for much of his freshman season, Kekahuna found his way onto the field in the ReliaQuest Bowl against LSU and showed flashes of his potential, catching four passes for 64 yards.
During the 2024 season, Kekahuna saw his role grow but struggled to earn consistent targets behind fellow slot receiver Will Pauling. Kekahuna logged 316 snaps—fifth-most among Badgers receivers—and caught 25 passes for 339 yards (13.6 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave him an above-average 66.3 offensive grade.
Kekahuna's choice to stay is a significant win for a Wisconsin offense in transition after firing Phil Longo. While his initial decision to enter the portal was understandable, Kekahuna's return signals renewed optimism about his future and how he could fit into Jeff Grimes' offensive system.