Category: Wisconsin badger

 

 

Wisconsin secured a commitment from 2025 in-state athlete Mason Kelley, flipping him from South Dakota State.

Kelley becomes the 24th member of Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked 25th nationally.

The unranked athlete from Mukwonago had previously received offers from several other schools before committing to South Dakota State.

Kelley’s commitment coincides with a major recruiting weekend for Wisconsin, focusing on the 2026 class.

This story was updated to add new information.

 

Wisconsin football landed a commitment from in-state class of 2025 athlete Mason Kelley on Friday. The program flipped Kelley from South Dakota State, to which he had committed on July 14, 2024 and signed with on Feb. 6.

 

The Mukwonago, Wisconsin, native is unranked by 247Sports. He is the 24th addition to Wisconsin’s class of 2025 — a group that ranks 25th in the nation and seventh in the Big Ten. Fifteen of those 24 recruits enrolled early and already completed spring practice. Kelley and eight others are set to join the program this summer.

 

Kelley also received offers from Minnesota State and North Dakota State before choosing South Dakota State. He will join the Badgers as a preferred walk-on, according to WisSports.net’s Travis Wilson.

 

The commitment arrives on the first day of arguably Wisconsin’s biggest recruiting weekend of the year: the first official visit weekend for the class of 2026. Numerous recruiting headlines for the upcoming cycle will likely follow over the next few weeks.

 

Wisconsin Badgers’ 2026 recruiting class on pace with Luke Fickell’s previous two classes

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers are sitting in familiar territory entering a crucial point in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

 

Wisconsin freshman safeties Luke Emmerich, left, and Remington Moss participate in a drill before the Badgers spring football scrimmage April 19.

Wisconsin freshman safeties Luke Emmerich, left, and Remington Moss participate in a drill before the Badgers spring football scrimmage April 19.

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers are sitting in familiar territory entering a crucial point in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

 

Wisconsin begins its slate of hosting key recruits on the university’s dime during official visits this week. The next three weekends will be vital to filling out most of the program’s 2026 class, which currently has seven recruits who have announced their commitments as of May 26.

 

That number nearly equals the amount of commits the Badgers had during Fickell’s first full recruiting cycle for the 2024 class at this same time in 2023, but it is behind the 2025 class at this time last year.

 

It’s worth noting that one 2024 and three 2025 commits eventually did not join the program. If all 2026 commits stick with their verbal pledges and sign with the team, the program could be right in line with both previous cycles.

 

Wisconsin’s 2024 class started off hot with early four-star recruits committing

The early months of the Fickell era brought a real buzz with the increased recruiting efforts of a staff led by director of recruiting Pat Lambert and former director of player personnel Max Stienecker.

 

Five of the eight 2024 commits at this time in late May 2023 eventually finished the recruiting cycle designated as four-star recruits by at least one outlet.

 

Those were quarterback Mabrey Mettauer, tight end Grant Stec, offensive lineman Derek Jensen, linebacker Thomas Heiberger and wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson.

 

Wisconsin wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson (22) is shown during spring football practice

Wisconsin wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson (22) is shown during spring football practice Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays their season opener against Western Michigan on August 31.

Four of these eight commits are now no longer with the program. Defensive back Kahmir Prescott, who committed right after the team’s final spring practice of 2023, eventually did not sign with Wisconsin and is now at Nebraska.

 

Three of the seven signees – Mettauer, Jensen and tight end Rob Booker II – are no longer with the program after one season. Booker also decommitted from Wisconsin for UCLA in June, but then eventually flipped back to the Badgers in December 2023.

 

The 11 commits in the 2025 class as of this time last year were greatly aided by four players who gave verbally pledges by the end of 2023 and four spring commitments between April and May 2024. Eight of them came from different states (Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota).

 

Three of those 11 players finished the 2025 cycle with four-star ratings by at least one outlet: defensive back Jai’mier Scott, offensive linemen Cam Clark and safety Luke Emmerich.

 

Defensive backs Scott, Emmerich, Grant Dean and Remington Moss, offensive lineman Michael Roesek and linebacker Cooper Catalano all enrolled at Wisconsin this January.

 

But three of the 11 commits at this point last year – quarterback Landyn Locke (Sam Houston State), linebacker Brenden Anes (Tennessee) and wide receiver Cam Miller (Kentucky) – eventually moved on to other programs.

 

Locke stayed in Texas but headed southeast to join Mettauer and former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo at Sam Houston State.

 

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo is shown during football practice Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo is shown during football practice Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s 2026 class has work to do, but trending along similar lines to previous two cycles

Only one player in the 2026 class, quarterback Ryan Hopkins (Santa Ana Mater Dei, California), is designated as a four-star recruit by at least one outlet.

 

But the Badgers have received good news for a few position groups early on as they have during the previous two cycles, landing commitments at quarterback, outside and inside linebacker, offensive line and wide receiver.

 

Wisconsin’s 2026 class is represented by recruits from California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Virginia. Three of them – offensive lineman Benjamin Novak, wide receiver Tayshon Bardo and cornerback Carsen Eloms – are coming from the Hoosier State.

 

One of the first incoming transfers of the Luke Fickell era has now officially found a home at another FBS program.

 

Wisconsin receiver Quincy Burroughs makes a sideline catch during the team’s 14th spring practice, which was held Tuesday morning April 30, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin receiver Quincy Burroughs makes a sideline catch during the team’s 14th spring practice, which was held Tuesday morning April 30, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

One of the first incoming transfers of the Luke Fickell era has now officially found a home at another FBS program.

 

Western Kentucky announced Friday that it signed wide receiver Quincy Burroughs, who followed Fickell from Cincinnati to the University of Wisconsin football program during the 2023 winter offseason.

 

Burroughs played in 22 games at Wisconsin between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but he caught only five passes for 43 yards receiving during his time in Madison. He participated in spring practices earlier this year before entering the portal.

 

Western Kentucky has been known to put up big numbers within Conference USA under coach Tyson Helton. It averaged 264.6 yards passing per contest last year, good for 25th in the FBS. It ranked first in the nation in that category during the 2021 season (433.7 yards per game), second in 2022 (352.2) and 15th in 2023 (296.4).

 

Western Kentucky will have a new quarterback this season as Caden Veltkamp moved on to Florida Atlantic. Maverick McIvor joined the Hilltoppers after three seasons at FCS Abilene Christian (and three prior seasons at Texas Tech).

 

Burroughs could see some familiar faces early on in his time at Western Kentucky, as the Hilltoppers host Sam Houston State on Aug. 23. The Bearkats are now led by former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Quarterbacks Mabrey Mettauer and Landyn Locke, wide receiver Grady O’Neill and cornerback Jace Arnold are now part of the Sam Houston State program.

 

Western Kentucky also travels to Toledo, where the Rockets signed former Badgers defensive backs Braedyn Moore and Amare Snowden, for a Sept. 6 nonconference matchup.

 

Wisconsin made quite a few moves in the transfer portal. Will it be enough?

 

 

The Wisconsin Badgers were one of the busiest teams in the transfer portal, losing two dozen players while getting back nearly the same amount to retool their roster.

 

One of the main positions they targeted was the defensive line, as Wisconsin sought to get bigger to help defend the run at a higher level in 2025. The Badgers were the No. 90 rushing defense in 2024 on a rushing yards allowed per game basis and No. 93 in yards per carry allowed.

 

Wisconsin landed seven edge or interior defensive linemen in the transfer portal, and all have a good shot at being a part of the two-deep this season. Let’s break down the new-look defensive line, giving my projected depth chart after spring ball for the position.

 

Starters

Jay’viar Suggs

 

Ben Barten

 

Parker Petersen

 

When it comes to categorizing “starters” with this group, it’s a tougher task as they may not be the team’s top players this season in terms of snap count. Instead, early-down players, such as Ben Barten, may be more suited to defend the run.

 

Wisconsin should rotate its defensive line quite a bit this season, and it’s a much different look, as the Badgers edge players are bigger, helping with setting the edge.

 

Ben Barten returns as the team’s top nose tackle, although he’s mainly a two-down player. Jay’viar Suggs is another interior lineman who should see ample playing time, transferring in from LSU. However, he’s better suited as a pass-rusher, so he could be a three-down type of player when rotating in the mix.

 

Parker Petersen is a 6’4, 315-pound defensive end who should also help the Badgers in the run game coming in from Tulane. All three were frequently among the top group in the spring.

 

Two-deep

Corey Walker

 

Charles Perkins

 

Micheal Garner

 

All three of these players were pleasant surprises in the spring, with Perkins being the biggest riser coming from UT-Martin.

 

Deemed arguably the most explosive player in the room by his coaches and teammates, Perkins is a redshirt junior and could be a force in the middle for the defense. He is on the shorter side at 6’2, but nonetheless is a bigger body and accounts for his size with his movement skills.

 

Walker and Garner are bigger edge players, standing over 270 pounds, which should help Wisconsin set the edge against the run. Their pass-rush potential could determine exactly how much they see the field, but it’s clear why Wisconsin brought them in to help this offseason.

 

While those two could be considered more as outside linebackers in the defense along with Darryl Peterson, we’ll group them here, given their size.

 

Other rotational players

Dillan Johnson

 

Brandon Lane

 

Jamel Howard

 

Ernest Willor Jr.

 

These four would be the next up to crack the rotation this season. Johnson played a good amount as a freshman, burning his redshirt, and will be in the mix again as a sophomore. What that role will be, however, remains a question.

 

Lane is a bigger-bodied nose tackle who provides depth on early downs at 6’3, 320 pounds.

 

Howard and Willor Jr. are on the outside looking in currently. The former has yet to make his mark on this team since coming in as a three-star in the 2023 class. He entered the transfer portal this offseason, but returned to Wisconsin. The latter, on the other hand, is still figuring out his position. He seems to be an edge, rather than an interior player, and will look to continue developing as he waits his turn.

 

Overall, Wisconsin has a group of bigger defensive linemen this season. That should help them improve against the run, but it’s unclear who will step up as a pass-rusher for this team. If they struggle to create pressure, it may be a tough year up front again.

 

Former Wisconsin men’s basketball guard blends fashion, basketball for professional future

Still, the potential lottery pick remains connected to basketball in his home state. He shared stories of youth basketball, ignoring (then to his eventual benefit following) his mother’s free-throw shooting advice and the quality of basketball in Milwaukee and around Wisconsin.

 

There has not been a lottery pick since former La Crosse Central and Badgers star Johnny Davis was selected 10th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2022 NBA Draft. Knueppel said being picked in the lottery is “pretty special for anybody,” but added “it’s definitely cool to represent the state in that way.”

 

‘We’re planning at 15’: Wisconsin men’s basketball remains consistent on roster limits

“Wisconsin high school basketball is very talented. We’ve had a lot of good players recently,” he said. “Sometimes there’s dry (spells). Sometimes there’s a bunch of good players in a row. But I think we got a bunch of good players coming up as well, and hopefully it keeps going.”

 

Knueppel recently had an interesting place in the spotlight at the NBA Draft lottery. He sat next to his close friend, roommate and Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, the expected No. 1 overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, which will be held June 25 and 26.

 

The Dallas Mavericks won the No. 1 overall pick in an unexpected result, and Knueppel was among those who seemingly was shocked. The ESPN cameras caught Knueppel’s stunned reaction as they hoped to catch a glimpse of Flagg to Knueppel’s left.

 

“It was crazy. It’s wild how fast they do it,” Knueppel said about the lottery. “Sitting next to Cooper, obviously the cameras were over there by where I was sitting a bunch. It was a cool experience. I’m glad I got to do it. I had a good time.”

 

Wisconsin men’s basketball star guard invited to NBA Draft combine

Knueppel said he doesn’t know if his spot alongside Flagg did anything to impact people’s opinion of him nationally. Duke draws eyes, too. So does his 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 40.6% 3-point shooting for a team that went to the Final Four.

 

An ankle injury, which he said is “doing great” and “getting better every day,” has held him out of workouts at the combine. But he noted that he’s had interviews with the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic. He said he’s done six interviews total.

 

Though he played high school basketball in his home state just more than a year ago, NBA teams already seemingly are sold. He has a lot of things — off-the-dribble shooting, defense — he wants to improve on, but his pitch Wednesday remained simple.

 

“(I’m a) competitive guy that wants to win,” Knueppel said. “I think that’s most important.”

 

Photos: Badgers men’s basketball in review

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) celebrates with fans after defeating the Arizona Wildcats on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Michigan center Vlad Goldin (50) dunks on Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) is swarmed by UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros defenders on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) shoots a three-pointer over UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros guard Hasan Abdul Hakim (14) on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) dunks the ball on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Nebraska forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) goes for a layup under the basket on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard claps during player introductions on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) and Washington Huskies guard Tyler Harris (8) battle for the ball on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) and Wisconsin Badgers guard Jack Janicki (33) celebrate after a three-pointer on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) hugs Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during Senior Day ceremonies on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) checks in for the last regular season home game of his career as a Badger on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Sweat drips from the face of Ohio State forward Sean Stewart (13) on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) buries his face in a towel after checking out during the final seconds of the Badger’s loss to Penn State on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin defenders attempt to block Holy Cross Crusaders forward Gabe Warren (21) on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard yells at the official on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) comforts Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) after Klesmit missed a late three-pointer to tie the game on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) run in to each other during a possession on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Montana St. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Montana St. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Arizona on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Former Wisconsin basketball head coach Bo Ryan watches as his banner is raised on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Jack Janicki (33) celebrates after a three-pointer on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) and Indiana Hoosiers guard Trey Galloway (32) battle for the ball on the floor on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) jumps to dunk on Nebraska guard Connor Essegian (0) on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard laughs with an official on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) falls as Ohio State forward Sean Stewart (13) goes for a block on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) tries to put home a layup against Oregon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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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.