Former Wisconsin Badgers basketball guard Luke Haertle holds a ball near the free throw line near two Western Illinois defenders

 

 

The Hartland native and former Wisconsin basketball guard spent last season at the Division II level

 

A member of the Wisconsin basketball 2022 recruiting class will return to playing NCAA Division I men’s college basketball this fall. After signing with his third college basketball program, the Wisconsin native has taken a winding road through the transfer portal.

 

The window to enter the college basketball transfer portal closed last week. Although players can no longer enter the portal, they do not need to sign with a team until they meet their respective school’s enrollment deadlines. Players will continue to make news with commitments in the coming weeks and months.

 

In that vein, a Summit League program announced the signing of a former Badger on Monday.

 

Luke Haertle Signs with South Dakota State Jackrabbits Basketball

Former Wisconsin high school prep basketball standout Luke Haertle attempts a short-range jump shot

Lake Country Lutheran’s Luke Haertle (1) tries to get a shot off over the reach of Pewaukee’s Milan Momcilovic (22) on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at Pewaukee High School.

 

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits announced the signing of Luke Haertle on Monday. Haertle heads to Brookings, South Dakota, after spending one season with Division II Winona State. He shined as a redshirt sophomore in Winona, averaging 17.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 33 games.

 

Former Badgers have flocked to Brookings in recent years. Former UW walk-on Matthew Mors has grown into a starting role in the Jackrabbits’ frontcourt. Another former Wisconsin walk-on, Isaac Lindsey, spent his final season of collegiate eligibility with SDSU this past year.

 

A former Badgers walk-on himself, Haertle joins the Jackrabbits as they prepare for their first season under head coach Bryan Petersen. He was promoted from his assistant role after Eric Henderson left to coach the Drake Bulldogs this offseason. Petersen was on staff for each of Henderson’s six seasons at SDSU, including two NCAA Tournament appearances.

 

In the final year under Henderson, the Jackrabbits amassed a 20-12 record, going 11-5 in the Summit League before falling in the quarterfinals of their conference tournament to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

 

Before his time at Winona State, Haertle spent two seasons with the Wisconsin basketball team. After a redshirt year, the Hartland native appeared in 11 games at UW. In total, he logged 11 minutes, two rebounds, and one turnover with the Badgers.

 

Haertle earned a preferred walk-on spot in Madison after a standout four years with Lake Country Lutheran High School. The 6-foot-4-inch guard led his high school team to its first-ever boys basketball state championship.

 

Wisconsin Badgers forward Chris Hodges dribbles a ball with his right hand

The Badgers have close to a set roster for the 2025-26 season.

The Wisconsin Badgers have their 13 scholarship players set for the 2025-26 season after adding a transfer and an international prospect on Thursday.

With the impending House settlement, the expectation is that Wisconsin will carry 13 scholarship players and one to two walk-ons per season.

The Badgers added Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas and Tulsa transfer Braeden Carrington to round out the roster, adding a much-needed big and some extra guard depth to fill out the remaining holes ahead of the upcoming season.

Now, the Badgers have room for one more spot, a walk-on, should they use all 15 roster spots for next season.

With the latest additions, let’s break down what Wisconsin’s rotation could look like in 2025-26.

Starters

Point guard: Nick Boyd

Shooting guard: John Blackwell

Small forward: Andrew Rohde

Power forward: Austin Rapp

The Badgers re-tooled their roster in the transfer portal, and three of those additions are currently projected to be in the starting lineup: Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde, and Austin Rapp.

Boyd was brought in to be the team’s point guard after averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this past season for San Diego State.

Rohde is a good shooter and a sneaky playmaker, having averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 assists while hitting 41.3 percent of his threes for Virginia in 2024.

Rapp, on the other hand, is only heading into his sophomore year, and adds to the pick-and-pop game for Wisconsin after averaging 13.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting over 35 percent from deep.

Wisconsin was expected to add a center, potentially even a starting one, but I’m not sure that Bieliauskas will enter the starting lineup as the center, as he himself is only 6’9 with not as big of a frame.

So, the projection seems to be a Rapp-Winter frontcourt, with the hope that the latter adds on some extra muscle to handle Big Ten centers.

Bench

Guard: Jack Janicki

Guard: Braeden Carrington

Guard: Zach Kinziger

Guard: Hayden Jones

Forward: Jack Robison

Forward: Aleksas Bieliauskas

Center: Riccardo Greppi

Wisconsin has a deep bench with three recruits coming in the Class of 2025, alongside a pool of returning and new talent.

Off the jump, Jack Janicki should slide into a bigger role as the lead guard off the bench after announcing his return to Wisconsin, while Braeden Carrington offers some depth as a 15-minute-per-game player who can shoot a bit (33.6 percent from deep in 2024), has solid size (6’4, 200 pounds), and experience.

The question in the guard rotation is how quickly Zach Kinziger can be ready to play. The freshman is definitely talented, hence why he’s a top-75 player in the freshman class, but may need some time to adjust size-wise to the physicality of the Big Ten.

But, Janicki and Carrington should be the top wings for the Badgers to spell the starting guards, while Aleksas Bieliauskas now steps into a top backup role at the forward spot.

Bieliauskas has good shooting percentages (over 39 percent from three), but could need some adjusting to the collegiate level as he makes the transition from overseas. He projects as the backup power forward/center, and could work alongside Austin Rapp or Nolan Winter as a reserve.

Wisconsin probably hopes that another scholarship player steps up as well next season to have some more depth, be it a center (Riccardo Greppi or Will Garlock) or a guy like Kinziger.

But, that is the expected rotation for the upcoming season, with the Badgers now at 13 scholarship players.

Wisconsin basketball landed a commitment from Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas on Thursday.

 

The 19-year-old joins the program with its incoming class of 2025, which also includes top in-state guard Zach Kinziger, center Will Garlock and New Zealand guard Hayden Jones. The Badgers’ concerted overseas recruiting effort continues to pay dividends with Bieliauskas’ addition, an initiative that can be connected to Kirk Penney’s emerging role on Greg Gard’s coaching staff.

 

Bieliauskas averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds on 58.8% shooting and 39.3% from 3 for Zalgiris II in Lithuania NKL, the country’s second-tier basketball minor league. The forward’s frame, shooting ability and playing experience make him an intriguing add for the Badgers as they look to reload their roster entering 2025-26.

 

Notably, 247Sports’ Evan Flood reports that Kansas was another top contender for Bieliauskas’ commitment.

 

The international signee is Wisconsin’s seventh addition of the offseason — three transfers, two in-state high school prospects and now two international players. With those additions, here is the Badgers’ updated projected lineup and rotation.

 

Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection

Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)*

Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior — San Diego State transfer)

Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior — Virginia transfer)

Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore — Portland transfer)

Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior)

Wisconsin’s starting five appears set after the sport’s transfer movement. Boyd, Rohde and Rapp were each top targets entering the cycle. All three add versatile scoring and shooting to the lineup, continuing a trend seen over the past two seasons, specifically in 2024-25. Blackwell and Winter are back from that group to lead the Badgers’ backcourt and frontcourt, respectively.

 

*(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards)

 

Wisconsin’s Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves

)

Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore)

Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore)

Forward Aleksas Bieliauska (Freshman)

Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman)

Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman)

Center Will Garlock (Freshman)

Xavier Amos’ departure is the one key loss from this reserve unit. Janicki projects as the team’s sixth man, with several other intriguing depth guard prospects in Robison, Kinziger and Jones following. Bieliauska should see minutes immediately at reserve forward, although it is challenging to predict how international production translates to the college level.

 

Wisconsin is likely to add another few transfers to round out the roster. The team is still in need of frontcourt depth, specifically a player with significant college experience.

 

For more on the team’s transfer moves, bookmark our 2025 Wisconsin basketball transfer tracker.

 

 

 

The Badgers are losing a cornerback for the spring transfer portal.

 

The Wisconsin Badgers are losing a cornerback to the transfer portal, as redshirt freshman Jay Harper announced his intentions to leave the program on Wednesday.

 

Harper, a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024, did not see any game action as a true freshman in 2024. He was competing to be a reserve cornerback with the Badgers this offseason on the field side behind Ricardo Hallman, rotating in with Miami transfer D’Yoni Hill and fellow redshirt freshman Omillio Agard.

 

Standing 5’10, 176 pounds, Harper had offers from Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Louisville, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and West Virginia, among others, before committing to Wisconsin.

 

He was a part of a three-cornerback class in 2024 alongside Agard and four-star Xavier Lucas. He now becomes the second to depart behind Lucas after just one season at Wisconsin.

 

The Badgers could now be in search of a scholarship cornerback in the transfer portal. They’ve already looked at options at wide receiver, offensive line, and tight end, where they’ve either lost players to the transfer portal or to injury.

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin’s defense added several transfers and is expected to be much improved in 2025.

Wisconsin struggled defensively in 2024, particularly against rivals Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Key defensive positions like defensive tackle and outside linebacker were significantly bolstered through the transfer portal.

Wisconsin’s defense is unlikely to lead the headlines after Saturday’s Spring Showcase.

 

That isn’t due to a lack of quality, as the unit won the event 24-17 despite several explosive plays from the first and second-team offenses. Instead, it’s about the context surrounding the other side of the football.

 

Wisconsin entered the spring practice session with major questions on offense after the unit held the team back through the first two years of the Luke Fickell era, especially during the team’s five-game losing streak to close the 2024 season.

The program hired Jeff Grimes this offseason to return it to its pro-style roots and redirect the unit’s trajectory. While significant improvement is expected, major question marks still exist, specifically after a few key transfer departures and an injury to the projected starting left tackle.

 

While many will focus on the performance of Grimes’ unit, Fickell and Mike Tressel’s defense quietly needs a resurgent year. The Badgers allowed 23.1 points per game last season, including a combined 110 to rivals Iowa (42), Nebraska (44) and Minnesota (24). A bowl trip won’t be possible without those numbers improving.

 

The program bolstered the unit in the winter transfer window, adding 12 players, many of whom project to start. With more still to change as the spring transfer cycle continues, here is an updated look at how that defensive unit lines up.

 

(For more, here is our look at the team’s updated offensive depth chart)

 

Defensive Tackle

Oct 19, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Ben Barten (68) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (1) during the second half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium.

Starters: Ben Barten, Parker Petersen (transfer), Corey Walker (transfer)

 

Backups: Jay’Viar Suggs (transfer) Charles Perkins (transfer), Dillan Johnson

 

Wisconsin remade its entire front seven during the winter window, including with experienced defensive tackles Walker, Petersen and Suggs. The team is suddenly deep at the position. That is a stark difference from where it stood at the end of 2024.

 

 

Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Starters: Darryl Peterson, Mason Reiger (transfer)

 

Backups: Aaron Witt, Tyreese Fearbry (transfer), Sebastian Cheeks

 

Wisconsin struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks throughout all of 2024. Reiger and Fearbry enter to change that rate. Cheeks should be a popular breakout pick at the position after two sacks in limited action last season.

 

Inside Linebacker

Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates with linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota Coyotes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Starters: Christian Alliegro, Tackett Curtis

 

Backups: Antarron Turner (transfer), Tyler Jansey, Thomas Heiberger

 

This was a minor position of need entering the spring transfer window, with Curtis still a question mark after transferring in before last season. Heiberger was a popular breakout candidate after moving to the position, although he’s currently out with a knee injury.

 

Cornerback (boundary)

Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) is shown during the first quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Purdue 52-6.

Starters: Ricardo Hallman, Nyzier Fourqurean

 

Backups: D’Yoni Hill (transfer), Geimere Latimer (transfer), Jay Harper, Jaimier Scott

 

Hallman and Fourqurean will form one of the Big Ten’s better cornerback duos. Both Hill and Latimer transferred in before Fourqurean successfully petitioned for an extra year of eligibility. The two should factor into the lineup, just not as the primary starters.

 

Cornerback (slot)

Wisconsin safety Austin Brown (9) recovers a fumbled punt during the fourth quarter of their game agains Western Michigan Friday, August 30, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Starter: Austin Brown

 

Backup: Owen Arnett

 

Brown will see the field in 2025, whether at slot cornerback or as a hybrid safety. The versatile defender tallied 51 tackles, two for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and three pass deflections in 2024. He should be a popular pick to lead the Badgers in turnovers forced.

 

Safety

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) intercepts a pass intended for Southern California Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Starters: Preston Zachman, Matthew Traynor (transfer)

 

Backup: Matt Jung (transfer), Charlie Jarvis, Remington Moss

 

The second safety position next to Zachman is still up for grabs. Both Traynor and Jung transferred in with top-end production at a lower level, plus with several years of eligibility remaining. It will be worth watching how the two are utilized and whether one emerges as a locked-in starter.

 

Specialists

Wisconsin place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) celebrates his 50-yard field goal during the first quarter of their game against Penn State Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kicker: Nathanial Vakos

 

Punter: Atticus Bertrams

 

Long Snapper: Eli Stein (transfer)

 

 

 

Kick Returner: Vinny Anthony

 

Wisconsin’s punt and kick returner jobs will likely remain in flux as the season approaches. As of April 20, Kekahuna and Anthony are two clear candidates to capture the respective roles.

 

While the Badgers’ offense still has major needs with the spring window ongoing, their defense is mostly set. It is in a strong position entering the 2025 season thanks to a fantastic winter portal window performance.

 

MADISON – Daniel Freitag is will take his talents to the Empire State.

 

The former Wisconsin Badger announced his commitment to Buffalo on Thursday night. He will play for George Halcovage, who was an assistant at Villanova when the Wildcats won national titles in 2016 and ’18.

 

Freitag shared the news on X and Instagram with a post that showed him in a Buffalo uniform.

 

“Committed,” he wrote followed by a heart emoji.

 

Freitag, a 6-foot-2 freshman guard from Bloomington, Minnesota, played in 14 games this past season for Wisconsin, scored two points and grabbed four rebounds. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

 

The Bulls went 9-22 this season with a 4-14 mark in the Mid-American Conference finished 11th out of 12 teams.

 

That said, the program isn’t a stranger to success. It capped a run of four straight MAC titles in 2019.

 

Freitag is the third former Wisconsin player for this season’s team to find a new home. Point guard Camren Hunter went back to Central Arkansas and forward Xavier Amos committed to Loyola Chicago.

 

 

 

Wisconsin WBB adds high scoring veteran guard out of the transfer portal

Robin Pingeton has picked up another important transfer commitment, this time from a grad transfer, Destiny Howell out of Howard. Howell is a veteran leader who has played all of her college basketball career at Howard and will use her final year of eligibility to play for Pingeton and Wisconsin. She’s a dynamic scorer who can fill up a stat sheet, and it will be fascinating to see how her game translates to the Big Ten.

 

Howard transfer Destiny Howell has committed to play for Robin Pingeton and Wisconsin

Destiny Howell averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Those stats don’t really do her full game justice. They are impressive, but she has had some incredible games in her career. Last season, she had nine games where she scored more than 20 points and one game in which she scored 30. She has the ability to absolutely take over a game and help her team to victory.

 

Howell is also long for a guard. She’s listed at 6’0″ and used that size to generate 44 steals and 18 blocks on the season. However, maybe what impresses the most is that she is a savvy veteran leader. She has played a lot of college basketball and done it in a very loyal way. With Pingeton having to rebuild a team from the studs, she will need a player she can trust to run things like a veteran.

 

Howell joins two other incoming transfers (so far): Gift Uchenna from Southern Illinois and Laci Steele from NC State. Pingeton will still need to add a bunch more players because even with the addition of these three, Wisconsin women’s basketball only has nine players on the roster. That’s not nearly as many as the Badgers will need to compete next season in the Big Ten.

 

•

 

Badgers looking to add to 2025 recruiting class

 

Elisee Assui #24 of Itelyum Varese seen in action during the…

Elisee Assui #24 of Itelyum Varese seen in action during the… | SOPA Images/GettyImages

The Badgers aren’t quite done filling out their 2025 recruiting class. Joe Tipton of On3.com reported Wednesday that Wisconsin had interest in Elisèe Assui, the youngest player in Italy’s Serie A — the top professional league in Italy. According to Tipton, Assui has averaged 5.4 points and 3.0 rebounds across 17.8 minutes per game since January. Texas, Missouri and Clemson, among others, are also in pursuit of Assui.

 

Born in 2006, Assui has an impressive frame for his age. There are discrepancies in his listed height and weight across websites, but he falls somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-foot-6, 220 pounds.

 

As a physical, slashing wing, Assui offers a different skillset than the Badgers ’25 commits. And considering Wisconsin’s current roster, Assui would provide some much-needed depth.

 

Assui’s developed frame and mobility makes him an extremely versatile defender, and he uses his mass well when driving to the rim. He’s an impressive finisher through contact and since January, he’s knocked down 14 of 30 attempts from three-point range.

 

Still, there’s plenty of room for improvement for Assui. His ball handling and on-ball skills will need development, and he might benefit from dropping some weight to improve his vertical and lateral athleticisim.

 

Considering Assui has already made it to Italy’s highest level at his age, there are plenty of reasons for optimism — not only for his long-term upside, but his potential to make an immediate impact with the Badgers.

 

Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class currently consists of guards Zach Kinzinger and Hayden Jones, along with big man Will Garlock. With plenty of scholarships left to play with, expect Greg Gard and co. to be aggressive in the pursuit of Assui and other ’25 recruits.