The Wisconsin Badgers are no strangers to offseason shakeups, but this latest move hits particularly hard. Redshirt senior safety Preston Zachman has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking a major loss for a Badgers defense already looking to retool after a turbulent stretch.
Zachman’s departure isn’t just another name in the portal - it’s a significant blow to the heart of Wisconsin’s secondary. Over the past three seasons, Zachman evolved from walk-on to cornerstone, logging 30 starts, racking up 125 tackles, picking off seven passes, and playing more than 1,700 snaps. He wasn’t just a steady presence on the field - he was a captain in 2025, a vocal leader, and a tone-setter for the defense.
And now, with one year of eligibility remaining thanks to a medical redshirt, Zachman becomes one of the more intriguing names in the portal. He brings experience, production, and leadership - the kind of player who can step into a Power Five secondary and make an immediate impact. Programs in need of veteran help on the back end are undoubtedly taking notice.
But Zachman isn’t the only notable exit from Madison this offseason.
Quarterback Billy Edwards is also on the move. After an injury-plagued stint that limited his opportunities under center, Edwards is opting for a fresh start elsewhere. He still has eligibility left, and with the right fit, he could be a sneaky addition for a program in need of depth or competition at quarterback.
There’s been change on the coaching front, too. Running backs coach Devon Spalding has accepted a position at Michigan State, leaving a vacancy on Luke Fickell’s staff. It’s another piece of the puzzle Fickell will need to address as he reshapes the program heading into 2026.
But this isn’t just about departures - Wisconsin is also staying aggressive in the portal.
The Badgers are actively pursuing reinforcements, with USC running back Bryan Jackson and Notre Dame defensive lineman Joshua Burnham among the names linked to the program. Both would fill key needs: Jackson could help stabilize a backfield in flux, while Burnham would bring size and athleticism to a defensive front that’s looking to get nastier in the trenches.
Fickell knows the margin for error in the Big Ten is razor thin, and the portal is now a critical part of any rebuild. Wisconsin’s recent moves - both out and in - reflect a program that’s not standing still.
The loss of Zachman stings, no doubt. But the Badgers are clearly playing the long game, reshaping their roster with a mix of urgency and intent.
The next few weeks will be telling. The portal is still open, and Wisconsin’s staff is working to ensure that for every key departure, there’s a plan in place to fill the gap - and maybe even upgrade.
One thing’s for sure: this offseason in Madison is anything but quiet.