Wisconsin Football Transfer Linebacker ‘an Absolute Killer on the Field’

Luke Fickell and the University of Wisconsin football program bolstered the Badgers’ defense this offseason with several impactful additions from the transfer portal. Of those added, perhaps none were more significant than former USC linebacker Tackett Curtis.

One season into his tenure with the Trojans, Curtis decided to enter the transfer portal in search of a better fit. Despite being unfamiliar with Coach Fickell’s staff, he chose to join the Wisconsin football team over offers from Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Florida State, among others.

According to On3 Sports, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Louisiana native was considered one of the top-ranked linebackers in the transfer portal. Curtis appeared in 12 games, making eight starts as a true freshman. In 355 defensive snaps, Curtis recorded 40 tackles, 16 stops, 10 pressures, six hurries, two sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection.

Year 1⚔️! Time to Hunt💯 pic.twitter.com/fsQUuAea1g

— TACKETT CURTIS (@curtis_tackett) December 19, 2023

Pro Football Focus graded Curtis out as a 44.5 this past season, which is considered below average according to their grading metric. However, the Wisconsin football staff is enamored with his fit in Mike Tressel’s defense and loves the passion Curtis plays with on the field.

“I think he embodies what we’re all about,” Tressel told reporters. “He’s a fantastic kid, who off the field does things the right way, but he’s an absolute killer on the field. … He brings nasty intentions on the football field at all times. You’ve seen that on film if you watch highlights and he’s doing that now.

“He’s also a guy that’s just passionate about the game. Whatever’s asked of him, he tries to go above and beyond. You can see his comfort level in what we’re doing grow and grow and grow.”

Curtis will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Wisconsin football team and could be a foundational piece for the Badgers defense to build around moving forward as their Mike linebacker. A source shared that his greatest attraction to UW came from his desire to play in a scheme that allowed him to use his athleticism to fly around and “hunt.”

I cannot wait to see Curtis on the field this fall alongside a talented room that includes players like Jake Chaney, Jaheim Thomas, Christian Alliegro, Sebastian Cheeks, and Landon Gauthier. Should the Wisconsin football defense take a big step forward in their second year under Coach Tressel, this rebuilt position group will likely play a crucial role in said improvement.

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. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!