Wisconsin football lands Hawaii WR Dekel Crowdus from the transfer portal
Wisconsin football lands former 4-star WR Dekel Crowdus, adding some much-needed speed and big-play ability to Jeff Grimes’ offense.
The University of Wisconsin football program needed to add juice to the wide receiver room. And they just got some.
Dekel Crowdus — a former four-star recruit who spent time at both Kentucky and Hawaii — announced his commitment to the Badgers on social media not long after taking an official visit to Madison.
“Go Badgers ❤️ #committed,” he wrote.
He brings with him one year of eligibility and a career average of 24.2 yards per catch, offering something Wisconsin’s offense desperately needed: another vertical threat who can stretch the field.
Now, this wasn’t a case where Wisconsin had its pick of the portal because of the limited snaps they had to sell, but a return to the Power 4 and a chance to compete for a role was enough to land Crowdus.
The Badgers' coaching staff hosted a handful of other pass-catchers on visits this Spring. But make no mistake — this is far from settling. Crowdus may not be a household name, but there’s some upside.
A former top-50 wide receiver in the 2021 class, Crowdus began his college career at Kentucky before transferring to Hawaii. After two quiet seasons with the Wildcats, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound wideout found his footing in 2024, hauling in 16 catches for 402 yards and four touchdowns in nine games, averaging 25.1 yards per reception.
According to Pro Football Focus, Crowdus posted a 64.2 offensive grade and a 64.3 receiving grade across 246 snaps last season — nearly all of which came out wide, with just six lined up in the slot.
His PFF advanced metrics paint an even more compelling picture.
Crowdus ranked in the 91st percentile in separation percentage, 100th percentile in average depth of target at 21.6 yards, and 77th percentile in yards after catch at 6.9 per reception. Crowdus also earned an 88.4 receiving grade when going against zone, underneath, and top coverage, which landed him in the 76th percentile.
He’s not a volume guy — but when the Kentucky native touches the football, things happen. Crowdus showed that in Hawaii’s pass-heavy system, flashing speed, twitch, and the ability to win deep.
And the opportunity at Wisconsin couldn’t be clearer—but he'll have his work cut out for him in fall camp to see the field.
With pass-catchers like Tanner Koziol, Mark Hamper, and Quincy Burroughs exiting the program during the spring transfer window, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and wide receivers coach Jordan Reid were left with a top-heavy room and not a ton of proven depth.
Ohio State transfer Jayden Ballard and returning contributor Vinny Anthony II project as the likely starters on the outside, with Trech Kekahuna holding down the slot. But behind them? It’s a cluster of unproven pieces vying for meaningful snaps in the two-deep.
Tyrell Henry flashed this Spring, and Kyan Berry-Johnson has some tools, but both guys profile as slot receivers. Chris Brooks Jr. has taken advantage of extra reps. And true freshman Eugene Hilton Jr. and Boston College transfer Joseph Griffin Jr. have roles to play. But there was still a need for a field-stretching threat who can tilt coverage in limited snaps.
Enter Crowdus — who brings big-play ability and SEC-level speed into a competition that’s very much open behind the top three on the depth chart.
This is the type of addition that fits what Luke Fickell has been preaching.
“This isn’t for everybody, right?” Fickell told reporters. “This is a grown-ass man’s league, and this is a grown man’s game. If guys don’t understand that and this isn’t the right thing for them, it is what it is.
“I think that's what's a little bit harder on some. Sometimes, having options isn't always the best thing for guys to grow. And whatever we come across here, we're going to continue to practice. We're going to continue to push and continue to develop the guys within and the guys that understand what it takes to climb this mountain and play in this league.”
He’s not wrong. And if you’ve followed coach Fickell long enough, you know that the bar isn’t just about raw talent — it’s about embracing the culture.
That’s where Crowdus comes in. He’s bounced around, sure. But he’s now in a spot where the opportunity is right in front of him — to be more than a gadget guy, and instead, carve out a rotational role in a system led by Grimes that values explosive plays and yards after the catch.
For a late addition, this checks a lot of boxes. Crowdus is battle-tested. He brings special-teams experience. He can stretch a defense. And he’s hungry — knowing this is his last shot to make a mark.
With his commitment, Wisconsin now adds another weapon to an offense that continues to evolve under Grimes’ watch. And with fall camp just around the corner, Crowdus has a chance to quickly become one of the more interesting Spring portal additions to monitor this fall.
Crowdus becomes Wisconsin’s fifth transfer pickup of the spring portal cycle, joining offensive lineman Davis Heinzen, quarterback Hunter Simmons, tight end Lance Mason, and long snapper Nick Levy.
Because in a room that needed more speed? Crowdus might be the answer behind the top options in 2025.
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