The transfer portal is officially closed, meaning no players can enter until next year. But there is still a ton of activity with thousands of players looking for new homes. That means Wisconsin’s roster building isn’t done just yet. We’ll keep a running list of the additions and where former Badgers end up.
UPDATED: Jan. 18, 2:15 p.m.
Joining the program (28)
WR Zion Kearney (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 10 recs, 159 yards, 1 touchdown
Previous schools: Oklahoma
Hometown: Fresno, Texas
DL DeNigel Cooper (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 23 tackles, 1 TFL, .5 sack
Previous schools: Appalachian State
Hometown: Kingsland, Ga.
EDGE Liam Danitz (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: N/A
Career stats: 98 tackles, 39.5 TFLs, 27 sacks
Previous schools: Hope College (DIII)
Hometown: West Branch, Mich.
WR Malachi Coleman (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 13 catches, 222 yards, 1 TD
Previous schools: Nebraska, Minnesota
Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
BREAKING: Minnesota transfer wide receiver Malachi Coleman has committed to Wisconsin.
Former four-star recruit.https://t.co/LCUL6ntLpd pic.twitter.com/FlgLfHabyH
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) January 12, 2026
EDGE Jayden Loftin (4 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
2025 stats: Did not play
Previous school: Tennessee
Hometown: Somerville, N.J.
DL Jake Anderson (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 2-star
2025 stats: 52 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 sacks
Previous school: Illinois State
Hometown: Durand, Ill.
Wisconsin continues to add to its D-line through the portal.
The latest is Jake Anderson (Illinois State), who recorded 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks on a team that played four days ago in the FCS national championship game. One year of eligiblity left.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) January 9, 2026
QB Deuce Adams (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 15-for-21, 112 yards
Previous school: Louisville
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Per an ESPN source, former Louisville QB Deuce Adams has committed to Wisconsin. https://t.co/kCvlj5aHzC
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 9, 2026
RB Nate Palmer (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 140 total yards
Previous school: TCU
Hometown: Decatur, Texas
BREAKING: TCU transfer RB Nate Palmer has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells @On3Sportshttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/DcPYnZLajQ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 8, 2026
DL Hammond Russell IV (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 40 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks
Previous school: West Virginia
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
https://twitter.com/Lildukes3/status/2009287125003309537?s=20
S Marvin Burks Jr. (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 131 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 INTs, 3 PD
Previous school: Missouri
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Wisconsin lands commitment from big-time Missouri safety transfer Marvin Burks Jr. , per his agent Joshua Walker (@whynotjoshua) https://t.co/Ppq64idPZG pic.twitter.com/s5EJvlJDo0
— BrianDohn247 (@BrianDohn247) January 8, 2026
OT Paris Wilkins (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 25 games played
Previous school: Charlotte, Ole Miss
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Go Badgers! @CoachFick @CoachMateos pic.twitter.com/lsnJh0TdYc
— Paris Wilkins (@PjWilkins4) January 7, 2026
RB Bryan Jackson (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 311 yards, 5 TDs
Previous school: USC
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
BREAKING: USC transfer RB Bryan Jackson has Committed to Wisconsin, his agent tells @On3sports
The 6’1 230 RB has totaled 72 carries for 311 yards and 5 TDs in 2 seasons with the Trojans
He’ll have 2 years of eligibility left
Repped by @coachzwillhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/We7ak0YTG5
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 7, 2026
WR Jaylon Domingeaux (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: N/A
Career stats: 106 catches, 1,512 yards, 14 TDs
Previous school: Southeastern Louisiana (FCS)
Hometown: Lafayette, La.
BREAKING: Southeastern transfer WR Jaylon Domingeaux has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells @On3Sports
He totaled 52 receptions for 857 yards and 11 TDs this season
Earned All-Southland Conference honorshttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/nFdCi5QTmb
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 7, 2026
OT Lucas Simmons (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 24 games played
Previous school: Florida State
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
BREAKING: Florida State transfer offensive tackle Lucas Simmons has committed to Wisconsin, his rep @MaxMoody17 tells On3.
Former four-star prospect who also had visits set with Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Mississippi State.https://t.co/IUzIGUowxT pic.twitter.com/PcybUTHHbb
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) January 7, 2026
DL Junior Poyser (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
2025 stats: 31 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks
Previous school: Buffalo
Hometown: Brampton, Ont.
I am Excited to announce my commitment to Wisconsin 🦡@CoachWhit_UW @BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/fK5Z378vAv
— Junior Poyser (@JuniorPoyser1) January 7, 2026
CB Bryce West (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 10 tackles, 1 PD, 1 FF
Previous school: Ohio State
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
BREAKING: Ohio State transfer CB Bryce West has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells @On3Sports
The 5’11 195 CB was ranked as a Top 75 Recruit in the 2024 Class (per On3 Industry)
He’ll have 3 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/oFHN42LaIM
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
OL Blake Cherry (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 12 games
Previous school: Arkansas
Hometown: Owasso, Okla.
On Wisconsin! #badgers pic.twitter.com/f6v78ymlJf
— Blake Cherry (@Blake_Cherry06) January 6, 2026
CB Javan Robinson (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 99 takles, 3 INTs, 13 PD
Previous school: Washington State, Arizona State
Hometown: Winter Garden, Fla.
BREAKING: Arizona State starting CB Javan Robinson has signed with Wisconsin, @PeteNakos reports🦡https://t.co/kSYG7dZ8sR pic.twitter.com/7vmBGUzirN
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 5, 2026
DB Cai Bates (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 10 games, 2 tackles
Previous school: Florida State
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
BREAKING: Florida State transfer CB Cai Bates has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells @On3Sports
The 6’2 195 CB will have 3 years of eligibility left
Was ranked as a 4-Star Recruit in the 2024 Class (per On3)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/7rRa0RX2Oi
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 5, 2026
LB Jon Jon Kamara (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 13 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, .5 sacks
Previous school: Kansas
Hometown: Goodyear, Ariz.
Let’s do it! 🦡 pic.twitter.com/47I4Ndx2dB
— Jon Jon Kamara (@JKamara_28) January 5, 2026
WR Shamar Rigby (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
2025 stats: 25 catches, 351 yards, 1 TD
Previous school: Purdue, Oklahoma State
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Let’s work!🦡@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/AKQ7Y5xlSQ
— Shamar (Mar) Rigby (@Shamarrigby1) January 4, 2026
EDGE Justus Boone (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Career stats: 65 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks
Previous schools: Florida, Arkansas
Hometown: Sumter, S.C.
On, Wisconsin ⚪️🔴@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/NlE1In14Vf
— Justus Boone (@justusboone6) January 4, 2026
C Austin Kawecki (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 25 games, 12 starts
Previous school: Oklahoma State
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Jump around! pic.twitter.com/RnmVn9LTST
— Austin (@AustinKawecki) January 4, 2026
QB Colton Joseph (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
2025 stats: 3,731 total yards, 34 TDs
Previous school: Old Dominion
Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif.
Sources: Wisconsin has signed quarterback Colton Joseph, the school’s top quarterback portal target. He’s an Old Dominion transfer who threw for 21 TDs this year and ran for 13 more. He threw for 2,624 yards and ran for 1,007. pic.twitter.com/tPAALr7md0
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2026
TE Ryan Schwendeman (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 2-star
2025 stats: 15 catches, 191 yards, 2 TDs
Previous school: Southern Illinois
Hometown: O’ Fallon, Missouri
Southern Illinois TE Ryan Schwendeman has signed with Wisconsin, his rep @AlecEaston of @nilsonsports tells @TomLoy247, @mzenitz and me.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound TE had interest from over a dozen P4 programs. Huge get for the Badgers.https://t.co/Xy6dZ1K856 pic.twitter.com/GZb32vbGkF
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 4, 2026
CB Eric Fletcher (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 12 tackles, 3 PD
Previous school: Oklahoma State
Hometown: Ft. Myers, Fla.
BREAKING: Former Oklahoma State Cornerback Eric Fletcher has Committed to Wisconsin, he tells me.
The 6'1, 185 lb CB chose the Badgers over Clemson, Texas A&M, Georgia, & Pitt among others.
He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/L0Hc0uAXyC
— JGPCFB (@jgpvisuals) January 4, 2026
RB Abu Sama (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 1,933 yards, 5.6 ypc, 13 TDs
Previous school: Iowa State
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Former Iowa State RB Abu Sama III has committed to Wisconsin🦡
85 Missed Tackles Forced Since 2024 (3rd Among Big 12 RBs) pic.twitter.com/H2NJ8nrknV
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 4, 2026
TE Jacob Harris (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 2-star
2025 stats: 19 catches, 182 yards, 5 TDs
Previous school: Bowling Green
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
BREAKING: Bowling Green transfer TE Jacob Harris has Committed to Wisconsin, source tells @On3Sports
The 6’5 260 TE totaled 5 TDs this season
He’ll have 2 years of eligibility left https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/qpHzHQLEOD
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 4, 2026
S Carson Van Dinter (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Career stats: 18 tackles, .5 TFLs, 1 PD
Previous school: Iowa State
Hometown: Kaukauna, Wis.
— Carson Van Dinter (@CarsonVandinter) January 3, 2026
Leaving the program (20)
Leyton Nelson (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer from Vanderbilt
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: 5 games played at Wisconsin
New school: TBA
CB Omillio Agard (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: 22 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 PD
New school: Virginia
G Joe Brunner (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Staff recruited by: Chryst
Career stats: 2-year starter
New school: Indiana
https://twitter.com/PeteNakos/status/2008748326028763176?s=20
DL Ernest Willor Jr (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: N/A
New school: TBA
DL Jamel Howard (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: N/A
New school: UConn
S Preston Zachman (potentially 1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Chryst
Career stats: 130 tackles, 4 TFLs, 7 INTs
New school: Indiana
BREAKING: Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman is entering the @TransferPortal, his agent tells @On3Sports
Through 30 career starts he’s totaled 125 tackles and 7 INT (1,700+ snaps)
He’ll have 1 year of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/R2YqR51vHU
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 31, 2025
QB Billy Edwards Jr (potentially 1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Wisconsin stats: 2 games, 7-for-16, 113 yards
New school: North Carolina
TE Tucker Ashcraft (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: 22 catches, 178 yards, 2 TDs
New school: USC
RB Dilin Jones (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 4-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: 92 carries, 388 yards, 2 TDs
New school: LSU
CB Geimere Latimer (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Wisconsin stats (1 year): 28 tackles, 1 forced fumble
New school: West Virginia
LB Christian Alliegro (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats: 124 tackles, 14 TFLs, 8 sacks
New school: Ohio State
LB Antarron Turner (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: Colorado State
C Jake Renfro (potentially 1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: Illinois
OLB Angel Toombs (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: Walk-on
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: Jacksonville State
WR Trech Kekahuna (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Chryst/Fickell
Career stats: 55 catches, 614 yards, 2 TDs, 140 yards rushing, 1 TD
New school: North Carolina
LB Tackett Curtis (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer from USC
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats at UW: 56 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack
New school: UCF
WR Joe Griffin (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: Transfer from Boston College
Staff recruited by: Fickell
Career stats at UW: 1 catch, 5 yards
New school: UMass
RB Cade Yacamelli (1 year of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Chryst
Career stats: 107 carries, 571 yards, 2 touchdowns
New school: Miami (Ohio)
P Atticus Bertrams (2 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: UCF
S Remington Moss (4 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: Elon
WR Kyan Berry-Johnson (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: 3-star
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: Sam Houston State
OLB Cody Raymond (3 years of eligibility)
As a recruit: Walk-on
Staff recruited by: Fickell
New school: TBA
I am entering my name into the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining. Thank you Wisconsin for the past two years of growth and development.
— Cody Raymond (@CodyRaymond41) December 1, 2025
