Wisconsin Football OL Nolan Rucci Enters the Transfer Portal

Wisconsin football offensive lineman Nolan Rucci is heading to the transfer portal after three seasons with the Badgers. 

The redshirt sophomore came to UW as a part of the 2021 recruiting class, and he’ll now look for a new home for his two remaining years of eligibility.

Wisconsin offensive lineman Nolan Rucci has entered the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.

He ranked as a five-star recruit in the 2021 class. https://t.co/nzsxyL2xAt pic.twitter.com/3QkvUqcZCN

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 4, 2024

Wisconsin Football OL Nolan Rucci Enters the Transfer Portal

When Rucci signed in 2021, he was Wisconsin’s second-highest-rated signee of all time. According to the industry-generated composite rankings, Rucci was the No. 16 player in the nation, the No. 5 offensive tackle, and the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania. The Badgers were able to lure in the All-American Bowl participant thanks in part to his brother Hayden, who recently announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft. 

Despite his high ranking out of high school, though, it hardly translated to time on the field during his time in Madison. The Pennsylvania native was buried in the depth chart, spending the 2023 season backing up Jack Nelson, who announced he would return for another season with the Badgers. With Nelson coming back, Rucci will look for a new home with a better playing time situation. 

In three seasons with the program, Rucci played in six games, with three appearances in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Though he didn’t see extended time, he does have a big highlight to look back with his game-winning catch against Illinois. 

Braedyn Locke to Nolan Rucci for the win #Badgers #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/auzztfk6VR

— Zach Hanley (@ZachHanley2) October 21, 2023

Rucci is now the 14th known Wisconsin football player to enter the transfer portal, and the third offensive lineman, joining Dylan Barrett and Trey Wedig.

Best of luck to Rucci at his next stop.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, follow Jake Maier on Twitter @JakeJMaier for more Wisconsin football, basketball, and recruiting coverage.