Wisconsin Football Built Depth and Competition via Transfer Portal

Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Luke Fickell has made it clear since taking over the program that he’s not keen on the idea of regularly building his team’s roster through the transfer portal. 

“Obviously, things can adjust and adapt, but I’d be disappointed if we weren’t 85-90% taking guys out of high school, having them for three, four, or five years based on whether they have the opportunity to play at the next level,” Fickell told reporters last August. “And then sprinkle in the ability to find some, not to say difference makers, but guys who can fill holes and gaps and things you need based on how years go.”

Despite his preference for recruiting and developing in-house talent, the Wisconsin football team has seen a whirlwind of activity in the transfer portal this offseason, with significant player movement both in and out. 

This roster retooling through the portal once again means that the Badgers’ season will hinge on how effectively Fickell and his staff can blend the 14 transfer additions with the returning talent.

Wisconsin Football Offseason Transfer Portal Activity

Wisconsin football saw 22 players leave, including key contributors like wide receivers Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell, inside linebacker Jordan Turner, several offensive linemen in the two-deep, and numerous rotational defensive linemen. Although some of these players were poised for roles in 2024, their departures aren’t seen as significant setbacks.

Conversely, the Badgers arrivals are rather promising and include starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, five new linebackers—three inside and two outside—and a likely key contributor in the running back room while also adding crucial depth at wide receiver as well. 

There was a clear emphasis on overhauling the Badgers’ defense to add pieces that better fit the direction of Mike Tressel’s system while adding more depth and competition to each position group. 

“Our ability to get longer guys, get the athleticism was something that we had to continue to grow and enhance,” Fickell said. “The guys that we did go out and get are by nature going to be a little bit longer guys. Guys that are probably going to be a little bit more comfortable in space in a lot of different ways.

On a national level, the Wisconsin football coaches have put together a pretty strong class in the eyes of analysts. While 247Sports places the Badgers at No. 24 nationally and No. 6 in the Big Ten for transfer classes, On3 offers a more optimistic view, slotting them at No. 12.

The Badgers Needed Transfer Portal Help

At the conclusion of Fickell’s first season at the helm, it was abundantly clear that the Badgers needed an influx of talent. It’s not to say that the roster was completely devoid of playmakers, but the lack of high-end players who elevate the program’s ceiling was few and far between in 2023. 

You try not to make too much of the transfer portal class until games are actually played on the field, but at first glance, spring camp showed that a large majority of the players brought in are expected to contribute right away.

Van Dyke projects as the Wisconsin football team’s QB1 this fall. Tawee Walker should be in a timeshare at running back. Tyrell Henry will be a depth piece in the receiver room while being the starting return man, and newly acquired pass-catcher Joseph Griffin Jr. will compete for a spot in the two-deep during fall camp. Then, you have Jackson McGohan, who will see the field in the tight end room to some extent. 

On defense, Leon Lowery and John Pius completely revamped the outside linebacker room and will see heavy snaps. Jaheim Thomas will be a starter at inside linebacker, and when healthy, Tackett Curtis will also factor in the rotation there. RJ Delancy is another option who should be among the top three Wisconsin football cornerbacks. 

Even Cayson Pfeiffer — who came over from Cincinnati — will be the starting long-snapper after losing multi-year starter Peter Bowden. 

In short, the majority of the additions either immediately slotted into meaningful roles or were backfilled to improve depth in the hopes that they could develop into starting options down the road. 

I continue to be impressed by the way Fickell and his staff evaluate the roster, identify the holes and where they need more competition, and then go out and find options that, on paper, look better than what they lost. 

Again, last season showed us all why it’s best to temper expectations, but talent acquisition is something I’m not concerned about under Fickell. The early returns on this transfer portal class look promising. Now, it’s about getting that newfound talent to mesh and translate into wins on the field. 

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