Wisconsin football transfer portal news: Who's coming and who's going?
Stay up to date on Wisconsin football transfer portal news. Track all player departures and additions as the Badgers rebuild after a challenging 5-7 season.
The University of Wisconsin football program is gearing up for another busy offseason in the transfer portal as the Badgers look to reshape its roster after a disappointing 5-7 season under head coach Luke Fickell.
With the transfer window officially opening on Dec. 9, the Badgers are expected to see significant roster movement in the weeks ahead. Like all major college programs, Fickell and his coaching staff must balance the challenge of addressing significant needs at quarterback, defensive line, and other offensive skill positions, all while managing player departures.
“I didn’t get into this world of college football to lose people,” Fickell told reporters. “It was always about how do you retain guys? It’s harder to retain guys today. But sometimes, that might be just the way that we’ve got to go about it. I wish them all the best.
“Some of them you would beg not to go and some that you agree with it’s time to go. Either way, it’s about moving forward.”
As Wisconsin braces for the chaos of transfer portal season, this tracker will keep you updated on all the latest activity—including which players are leaving the program and which new faces are set to join the Badgers.
Wisconsin football players leaving the program
Cole LaCrue, quarterback
Redshirt freshman quarterback Cole LaCrue announced on Nov. 21 that he plans to transfer. A former three-star recruit in the class of 2023 from Colorado, LaCrue didn’t see the field during his time in Madison.
“After much thought and reflection, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal and leave the University of Wisconsin,” LaCrue wrote. “This was not an easy choice, as my time here has been filled with incredible experiences, growth, and unforgettable memories. I want to sincerely thank Coach Fickell for his guidance and leadership during my time in the program, and a special shoutout to Coach Leonhard for being the first to believe in me and extend an offer. To all the coaches, thank you for your teachings and the countless ways you've helped me develop as both a player and a person. To my teammates, thank you for the great times, the lessons, and the bond we've shared. I'll forever cherish those memories.
“To the training staff, your support has been instrumental in helping me be my best, and I am truly grateful. I am excited for this next chapter in my journey and the opportunity to continue growing as a student-athlete. With that being said, I will be intending to enter the transfer portal once it opens up with 3-4 years of eligibility remaining.”
New school: Eastern Illinois
Leon Lowery, outside linebacker
On Dec. 1, Leon Lowery entered the transfer portal after one season with Wisconsin. The former Syracuse linebacker started 11 of 12 games for the Badgers in 2024, recording 29 tackles, 11 pressures, and one sack.
Lowery didn't feel like the defensive scheme the Badgers were heading toward aligned with his skill set, so he made the decision to move on.
"I’ll be planning to enter the transfer portal with 1 year of eligibility left," Lowery wrote on social media. "Thank you Wisconsin for everything."
New school: Illinois
Amare Snowden, cornerback
Amare Snowden, a former 247Sports composite four-star recruit from the Class of 2023, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 1. The redshirt freshman appeared in two games, recorded a tackle, and logged just three defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Notably, the 6-foot-4 defensive back went through a lot this season in his personal life, and he felt he received inconsistent feedback on top of having no relationship with position coach Paul Haynes.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank God, as he blessed me with a special gift and talent to play the game I have grown to love," Snowden wrote. "I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for the experiences and lessons throughout the past two years of my life. I will forever be grateful for the Wisconsin community.
“With that being said, after deep consideration, talking with my family, and trying to regain my love and confidence back, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal as a redshirt sophomore with 3 years of eligibility left."
New school: Toledo
Jonas Duclona, defensive back
Jonas Duclona entered the transfer portal on Dec. 2, becoming the second Wisconsin cornerback to do so. The former three-star recruit from Naples, Florida, saw action in 16 games during his time in Madison and registered three solo tackles while playing 44 total defensive snaps.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunities and experiences I've had," Duclona wrote. “A special thank you to Coach Fick, Coach Haynes, and the entire University of Wisconsin staff for their unwavering support over the past two years. You have shaped me into the player I am today.
"With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining, ready for the next chapter of my journey.”
New school: UCF
Justin Taylor, defensive back
Justin Taylor entered the transfer portal on Dec. 3, becoming the third Wisconsin defensive back to do so this offseason. A former three-star recruit out of Illinois and early commit in the 2023 class, Taylor offered versatility in the secondary with experience at both safety and nickel cornerback but saw just four defensive snaps during the 2024 season.
“To the training staff, your support has been instrumental in helping me be my best, and I am truly grateful," Taylor wrote. "I am excited for this next chapter in my journey and the opportunity to continue growing as a student-athlete. With that being said, I will be intending to enter the transfer portal once it opens up with 3-4 years of eligibility remaining.”
New school: Wyoming
Curt Neal, defensive lineman
Redshirt sophomore Curt Neal entered the transfer portal on Dec. 3, becoming the first defensive lineman from Wisconsin to do so this offseason. The former three-star prospect started this season and recorded 30 total tackles, 10 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in 433 snaps.
During his career in Madison, Neal appeared in 29 games, contributing 46 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack.
Neal felt the scheme didn’t play to his strengths or align with his long-term goal of reaching the NFL. Neal believed his role was largely reduced to seating blocks reacting to offensive linemen so linebackers could make plays, which limited his ability to showcase his talent.
"After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided I’ll be entering my name in the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining," Neal wrote. "This has not been an easy decision, as my time here at Wisconsin has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you, Badger Nation!"
New school: Illinois
Jace Arnold, cornerback
Jace Arnold became the fourth defensive back for Wisconsin to enter the transfer portal this offseason, announcing his decision on Dec. 3. After redshirting his true freshman season, Arnold appeared in two games this season but logged just 11 total defensive snaps.
The Georgia native expressed that he felt his practice performance indicated he earned more reps but wasn’t given equal opportunities.
“First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me with the unique gift and the ability to play the game that I have come to love,” Arnold wrote. “I want to express my gratitude to my teammates and coaches for the experiences and lessons I’ve gained throughout the last two years of my life. I will always be appreciative of the Wisconsin community and coaching staff.
"Having said that, after giving it much thought and consulting with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility.”
New school: Sam Houston State
Braedyn Moore, safety
Redshirt freshman Braedyn Moore became the fifth defensive back to enter the portal for the Badgers this cycle, announcing his decision on Dec. 3. A former four-star recruit, Moore appeared in 10 games during his time at Wisconsin, tallying two assisted tackles and recovering a fumble.
“Badger Nation, first and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me the God-given abilities to play this game that I love,” Moore wrote.
“I have leaned on my faith through what has been a difficult decision, but I have ultimately decided to enter the transfer portal. I will forever be thankful to my coaches and teammates for the countless memories that we have shared together during my time in Madison. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
New school: Toledo
Nate White, running back/wide receiver
Redshirt freshman Nate White entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4, becoming the second wide receiver to leave the Badgers this offseason.
Initially recruited as a running back, White transitioned to wide receiver during fall camp—a position change that played a factor in his decision to move on. He did not appear in a game during his time at Wisconsin.
"Thank you, Madison, for everything! The memories and relationships I've built here will last a lifetime. Big thanks to Coach Chryst and his entire coach staff for believing in me and getting my foot in the door," White wrote. "Thank you to Coach Fickell and the current staff for the opportunity.
“Thank you to all who've supported me in my time as a Badger; I'm forever grateful! With that being said, I'll be entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility! Badger for life!"
New school: South Dakota State
Manny Mullens, offensive lineman
Offensive lineman Manny Mullens entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4. A former walk-on from Lake Erie College, Mullens never appeared in a game during his time with the Badgers. Notably, Manny is the younger brother of former Wisconsin defensive lineman Isaiah Mullens.
"I am so blessed to play the game of football and to be a Wisconsin Badger. God has been great, and my time in Madison has been amazing," Mullens wrote. "Thank you to Coach Blaz, Coach Heeman, Coach Casey, and the entire staff for all their support and belief in me. To my teammates, you guys are my brothers for life, and I'll always cherish the memories we made together.
"After a lot of prayer and thought, I've decided to enter the transfer portal to see what's next for me. Thank you, Wisconsin it was an honor to wear cardinal and white, and Wisconsin will forever be in my heart."
New school: Tiffin University
James Thompson Jr., defensive lineman
James Thompson Jr. entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4, becoming the second defensive lineman to leave the program this cycle. Injuries sidelined Thompson for nearly the entire 2024 season, but during his Wisconsin football career, he appeared in 38 games, recording 58 tackles, 32 pressures, five sacks, and two pass breakups.
"I want to start off by saying this was not an easy decision to make. I want to give utmost thanks and respect to everyone who has participated in my experience at the University of Wisconsin," Thompson wrote. This great university has allowed me to chase my dreams to play football at the next level while pursuing a high-quality education.
"Thank you to Coach Chryst & Coach Leonhard for believing in me and giving me the opportunity when no one else did. I would also like to thank Coach Fickell and his staff for allowing me to flourish and represent Wisconsin football. I would like to thank my friends and family that I've made here, all of which have accepted me and made me feel at home. Wisconsin has been and always will be a second home for me. I have willingly and thankfully put my blood, sweat, and tears towards making this place the best it possibly could be. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal for my final year of eligibility."
New school: Illinois
Hank Weber, defensive lineman
Freshman Hank Weber entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4, becoming the first member of Wisconsin's 2024 recruiting class to seek a new opportunity and the third defensive lineman. Weber, a former three-star recruit, did not see any game action during his first season in Madison.
“I want to thank Wisconsin, the coaches, the best fans of the B1G, and my brothers on the team," Weber wrote. "I've grown as man and a better player b/c of y'all! With that being said & after praying and some hard conversations, I've decided to transfer with 4 years left to play!”
New school: Samford
James Durand, offensive lineman
Redshirt freshman James Durand entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4, becoming the first scholarship member of that room to leave the program this offseason. Durand was a composite four-star recruit in the class of 2023 from Gilbert, Arizona, and never appeared in a game.
“I am thankful for my time and growth at the University of Wisconsin,” Durand wrote. “That being said, I’d like to announce that I have decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining.”
New school: Western Illinois
Tyler Van Dyke, quarterback
Redshirt senior Tyler Van Dyke entered the transfer portal on Dec. 9, becoming the second Wisconsin Badgers quarterback to announce his departure this offseason.
Van Dyke, who started just three games before a season-ending ACL tear against Alabama, has one year of eligibility left.
New school: SMU
Riley Nowakowski, tight end
Redshirt senior Riley Nowakowski entered the transfer portal on Dec. 9, becoming the first Wisconsin tight end to announce his departure from the program this offseason.
A former walk-on, Nowakowski began his Badgers career as an outside linebacker before transitioning to fullback and later moving to tight end. Over Nowakpwski’s career at Wisconsin, he appeared in 40 games, recording 18 catches for 131 yards, including a touchdown in the Axe game against Minnesota.
"I want to thank Coach Chryst and Coach Haering for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of being a Badger," Nowakowski wrote. "I would also like to thank Coach Fickell and Coach Letton for helping me continue to grow on and off the field.
"I could not be more appreciative of this program and wish nothing but the best for Badger Nation.
"I have put a lot of time into this decision, and it has not been easy. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining."
New school: Indiana
Kamo’i Latu, safety
Redshirt senior Kamo’i Latu entered the transfer portal on Dec. 9, becoming the second safety to announce his departure from the Badgers this offseason.
After transferring from Utah, Latu appeared in 27 games over three seasons with Wisconsin, tallying 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, nine pass deflections, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
“Thank you wisco for an amazing 3 years! Officially in the portal ready for it all,” Latu wrote. “#BetOnYourself.”
New school: UConn
Braedyn Locke, quarterback
Redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke entered the transfer portal on Dec. 11, becoming the third quarterback to announce his departure from the Badgers this offseason. Over two seasons in Madison, Locke appeared in 16 games, starting 12 of them. During his time as the starter, the Badgers went 4-8, with Locke throwing for 2,713 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
“Thank you to the University of Wisconsin, the coaches, and my teammates for an unforgettable 2 years,” Locke wrote. “I’ll always cherish my time here. I will be entering the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility remaining.”
New school: Arizona
Max Lofy, cornerback
Redshirt senior Max Lofy entered the transfer portal on Dec. 16, becoming the fourth cornerback to leave the Badgers this offseason.
A three-star prospect in Wisconsin's 2020 recruiting class, Lofy appeared in 29 games during his five-year career with the Badgers, tallying 28 total tackles, one interception, and two pass deflections.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to play football here at the University of Wisconsin and am honored to have had the privilege of wearing the motion W on Saturdays in the fall,” Lofy wrote.
“To coach [Jim] Leonhard and coach [Paul] Chryst, thank you for believing in me all those years ago and giving me a chance to live out my dreams. To coach [Luke Fickell] and coach [Alex] Grinch, thank you for what you have taught me over the last two years and for making me the player I am today.
"With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal for my final year of eligibility."
New school: Rice
Will Pauling, wide receiver
Will Pauling entered the transfer portal on Dec. 17, becoming the second wide receiver to leave the Badgers this offseason.
After a breakout 2023 season, where he posted 74 catches for 837 yards and six touchdowns, Pauling’s production dipped to 42 receptions for 407 yards and three scores this past year.
“After much prayer, conversation, and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer,” Pauling wrote.
"My time in Madison has been an incredible blessing. I've built lifelong relationships, grown tremendously in my faith and as a player, and experienced moments I will cherish forever.
"I want to thank Luke Fickell, my coaches, teammates, and the entire UW academic support staff & community for their support and belief in me. This decision was not easy, and I understand that it may not make sense to everyone. However, I truly believe this is where God is calling me and that I must obey. I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful for all that I accomplished here at UW.”
New school: Notre Dame
C.J. Williams, wide receiver
C.J. Williams entered the transfer portal on Dec. 17, becoming the third Badgers wide receiver to leave the program this offseason. Over two seasons, he totaled 31 receptions for 396 yards and two touchdowns.
"Thank you, Madison!" Williams wrote. "Thank you to everyone that put time and effort into me during my time here—from the coaching staff, admin, educational staff, fans, etc. I am grateful for how this team and University shaped me as a young man & player. I am beyond honored to walk away with a degree that reads 'University of Wisconsin-Madison' on it and proud to have been a Badger!
"I know that God has a plan, and I trust whatever that may look like for me. With that being said, I have filled out the required paperwork and will be entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer."
New school: Stanford
Anelu Lafaele, outside linebacker
Freshman outside linebacker Anelu Lafaele entered the transfer portal on Dec. 18, becoming the second member of the Badgers 2024 recruiting class to announce his departure.
The Hawaii native and composite three-star recruit redshirted this past season and did not appear in a game during his time at Wisconsin.
New school: Michigan State
Nate Van Zelst, kicker
Nate Van Zelst entered the transfer portal on Dec. 19 after four seasons with the Wisconsin football program.
During the 2022 season, the walk-on kicker from Illinois converted 11 of his 14 field goal attempts, including a career-long make from 47 yards.
"Thank you, Wisconsin, for an incredible four years," Van Zelst wrote. "I am deeply grateful for the memories, friendships, and experiences that have shaped me both on and off the field. It has been a blessing to be part of the rich tradition of Badger football. Representing this program and wearing the Badger uniform has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
"Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and the Badger community for your unwavering support throughout this journey. I am excited for what the future holds and look forward to this next chapter.
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining."
New school: TBD
Xavier Lucas, cornerback
Xavier Lucas, a former four-star recruit, announced on Dec. 19 that he intends to transfer from Wisconsin, becoming the fourth cornerback to leave the football program this offseason.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound defensive back appeared in 11 games for the Badgers this season, and finishing with 18 tackles and one interception in 203 snaps.
"Thank you Wisconsin for everything," Lucas wrote. "I am officially entering the transfer portal."
New school: Miami
Mabrey Mettauer, quarterback
Mabrey Mettauer entered the transfer portal on Dec. 21, marking the departure of all four of the Badgers scholarship quarterbacks from the 2024 roster.
The former four-star recruit appeared in three games as a true freshman, completing his lone pass attempt for two yards.
New school: Sam Houston State
Tawee Walker, running back
Tawee Walker entered the transfer portal on Dec. 24. Walker will take advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted to JUCO players through a federal injunction involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
The 5-foot-9, 218-pound back is coming off a season in which he carried the ball 190 times for a team-leading 864 yards and 10 touchdowns.
New school: Cincinnati
*This story will be updated as additional players enter the transfer portal, so stay tuned for the latest developments and offseason roster moves.
Wisconsin football players joining the program
Billy Edwards Jr., quarterback (Maryland)
Danny O’Neil, quarterback (San Diego State)
Parker Petersen, defensive line (Tulane)
Tanner Koziol, tight end (Ball State)
Matthew Traynor, safety (Richmond)
Charles Perkins, defensive line (UT Martin)
Mason Reiger, edge rusher (Louisville)
Corey Walker, defensive line (Western Michigan)
Mark Hamper, wide receiver (Idaho)
Matt Jung, safety (Bethel University)
Antarron Turner, linebacker (Western Carolina)
Jayden Ballard, wide receiver (Ohio State)
Eli Stein, long snapper (Arkansas)
Tyreese Fearbry, outside linebacker (Kentucky)
Micheal Garner, defensive line (Grambling State)
Stone Anderson, punter (Michigan)
Geimere Latimer, cornerback (Jacksonville State)
Jay'viar Suggs, defensive lineman (LSU)
D'Yoni Hill, cornerback (Miami)
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We still have Chris Brooks! Hopefully he can stay healthy.
What’s going on with the multitude of defensive players leaving? Coaches disputes??