Wisconsin football loses wide receiver Will Pauling to the transfer portal
The Wisconsin Badgers' leading pass catcher for the past two seasons has decided to enter the transfer portal.
The University of Wisconsin football program will have a new starting slot receiver in 2025, as Will Pauling has entered the transfer portal after leading the team in receptions for the past two seasons.
Pauling’s departure marks the end of a four-year run alongside head coach Luke Fickell, spanning his time at both Cincinnati and Wisconsin. The Chicago native announced his decision to leave the Badgers in an Instagram post.
“After much prayer, conversation, and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer,” Pauling wrote.
"My time in Madison has been an incredible blessing. I've built lifelong relationships, grown tremendously in my faith and as a player, and experienced moments I will cherish forever.
"I want to thank Luke Fickell, my coaches, teammates, and the entire UW academic support staff & community for their support and belief in me. This decision was not easy, and I understand that it may not make sense to everyone. However, I truly believe this is where God is calling me and that I must obey.
"I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful for all that I accomplished here at UW.”
Pauling emerged as one of the Badgers’ most productive and reliable offensive weapons after transferring to Wisconsin. Pauling thrived under former offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who leaned heavily on slot receivers in his scheme and made him a focal point of the passing attack.
“I think the thing I love the most after my wife and my kids are slot receivers," Longo said. "Because they are typically one of the most productive positions in the offense."
In 2023, the 5-foot-10 receiver posted a stat line of 74 catches, 837 yards, and six touchdowns, cementing himself as a go-to target in the passing game and a leader in the receiver room.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pauling earned the fourth-highest offensive grade (79.6) among Big Ten wide receivers who played at least 20% of their team’s snaps. He also tallied five or more catches in nine of the team’s 13 games en route to third-team All-Big Ten honors by the coaches.
After a breakout campaign as a redshirt sophomore, 2024 didn’t unfold the way Pauling or Wisconsin fans had hoped.
Though he missed two games this season, Pauling still led the Badgers with 42 receptions, ranked second with 407 receiving yards, and tied for second with three touchdowns. However, injuries took their toll, and consistency became an issue, as Pauling recorded nine drops—the second-most among Power 5 receivers.
With new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes set to implement his run-heavy system at Wisconsin, Pauling’s exit is another shake-up for a position group already in flux. Notably, Pauling’s backup, Trech Kekahuna, briefly entered the portal earlier this offseason before changing course and returning to the Badgers. Kekahuna is now expected to take over Pauling’s starting role in the slot.
Position coach Kenny Guiton will look to promising young receivers like Eugene Hilton Jr., Kyan Berry-Johnson, and Quincy Burroughs to step up and fill the void while the Badgers staff continues its search for experienced playmakers in the transfer portal for 2025.
We appreciate you taking the time to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. Your support means the world to us and has helped us become a leading independent source for Wisconsin Badgers coverage.
You can also follow Site Publisher Dillon Graff at @DillonGraff on X.