Wisconsin Football News: Badgers Land OT in Portal, WRs on Campus, More

It’s been a busy week for the Wisconsin football program, ladies and gents, but fear not because BadgerNotes can help get you back up to speed with a roundup of some important news you may have missed. 

Wisconsin Football Lands OT From Transfer Portal 

On Friday night, after an official visit to Madison, the Wisconsin football program received a commitment from Cincinnati All-ACC honorable mention offensive tackle Joe Huber. 

The redshirt sophomore, who played for Luke Fickell, began his UC career as a walk-on but quickly earned a scholarship and started all 14 games at right tackle this past season for the Bearcats. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Huber logged 854 snaps this past season and finished with a grade of 80.6. Which, for reference, would have been the highest among the Badgers’ starting offensive line in 2022. 

Standing at 6-foot-5, 310-pounds, Huber is known as more of a run-blocking tackle; however, it’s worth mentioning he was Cincinnati’s backup center this past season as well. So, he could provide depth at both spots for UW and possibly compete for a starting gig at either position.

The Ohio native joins the Wisconsin football program with at least two years of eligibility remaining.

#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/6kdESDjxu2

— Joe Huber (@JoeHuber14) January 7, 2023

Wisconsin Football Hosting Several Transfer Portal WRs

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football staff have been aggressive in the transfer portal, specifically pursuing a pass-catcher this past week.

USC transfer CJ Williams was in Madison this past week, but we now know that the Badgers are hosting a pair of familiar faces – at least to a few of the new members of the coaching staff.

Cincinnati freshman wide receiver Quincy Burroughs hinted he would visit Madison, but it turns out he wasn’t the only Bearcat considering following his old coach. Redshirt freshman Will Pauling, who recently entered the portal, is also on campus for an official visit.

what you wanna do?? @IamQB3 pic.twitter.com/SRYB7rqA59

— Will Pauling⚡️ (@Will_Paul6) January 8, 2023

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound WR appeared in nine games this past season and caught 12 passes for 122 yards.

Nobody knows better than the new Wisconsin football coaches what these players are capable of, having developed them firsthand, so don’t be surprised if things move quickly.

One last nugget: still working to confirm, but there are rumblings that Oklahoma State WR Bryson Green may take an official visit to Madison in the near future – stay tuned.

Wisconsin Legend J.J. Watt Plays His Final NFL Game

On Sunday, Wisconsin football legend J.J. Watt will suit up for the final NFL game of his remarkable career. 

Formerly a walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, Watt promised his father he’d give 100% every single snap when he transferred from Central Michigan because the family couldn’t afford to pay four years of tuition. And Watt, being the animal he is, kept that promise, earning a scholarship before ever playing a snap at UW.

He quickly parlayed his hard work into results on the field, becoming a dominating force for the Badgers en route to First-team All-American honors for Wisconsin football in 2010.

During his NFL career, the 6-foot-5, 288-pound DE compiled a resume that includes the following: 

• Walter Payton Man of the Year
• Five-time All-Pro
• Three-time Defensive Player of the Year
• Two-time NFL sack leader
• Two 20+ sack seasons 
• 2010’s All-decade team member

But more important than football is what J.J. Watt chose to do with his platform. His off-field contributions only help add to his legacy. 

A few instances that come to mind were when Hurricane Harvey decimated the city of Houston; Watt raised over $37 million in relief funds for his adoptive city. 

And more recently, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin native covered the funeral costs for all of the victim’s families that lost a loved one during the senseless Waukesha Christmas parade attack.

Tip of the cap to Watt for doing things the right way and making the state of Wisconsin proud. Enjoy whatever comes next because you and your family deserve it. See you in Canton. 

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