With the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff crowning Ohio State as National Champions, a vast majority of NCAA teams have quickly shifted their focus to the transfer portal, seeking game-changing additions to their programs.
The Wisconsin Badgers have been no exception.
After posting a distasteful 5-7 campaign that ended their 22-year bowl streak, many eyes were on how the Badgers would aim to improve their roster with impact players.
As the transfer portal period has come to a close, the biggest improvements to the 2025 roster are a revamped quarterback room and a defensive line ready to pass rush.
Billy Edwards Jr. is a Badger
Wisconsin lost quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke, Bradeyn Locke, Landyn Locke and Mabrey Mettauer rather quickly to the transfer portal. Losing four quarterbacks in one period means reinforcements are needed.
This cycle saw many starters from across the nation declare their name in the portal. After doing their due diligence, Wisconsin decided on Billy Edwards Jr. to be their big get.
The Virginia native started 11 games for Maryland last year, totaling 15 touchdowns, 2,881 passing yards and nine interceptions.
Edwards wasn’t the only QB portal acquisition, however. Former San Diego Aztecs starter Danny O’Neil also joined the Badgers.
O’Neil is an intriguing addition, as he was only a true freshman last season when he took over as starter. Showcasing 2,181 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions, the thinking is that he’ll back up Edwards and try to gain some more maturity down the line. He showed glimpses of his ability at San Diego, so time will tell whether or not he can build off of this start to his career.
Defensive line gets much-needed boost
If you were to ask a majority of Badgers fans to name a weak spot of the 2024 roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear the defensive line come up as the answer.
An aggressive pash rush has been an area that Wisconsin has desperately needed improvement, and the transfer portal provided the opportunity to bolster up their defensive line.
Charles Perkins, Tyreese Fearbry, Mason Reiger and Corey Walker all join the defensive line, replacing four individual transfers from the 2024 Badgers squad. Wisconsin was prepared to make sure they’ll have the confidence in their defensive line this year, hopefully adding a pass rushing boost that could be vital to 2025 success.
