The Wisconsin Badgers aren’t wasting any time reloading for 2026. Just a day after their 2025 season wrapped, they’ve already made a splash in the transfer portal - and it’s a homegrown addition. On Sunday, outside linebacker Taylor Schaefer, a JUCO standout from Iowa Central, announced his commitment to the Badgers.
Schaefer brings both size and production to the table. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, the Sturgeon Bay native has the kind of frame that fits right into Wisconsin’s defensive identity.
But it’s not just about measurables - his numbers jump off the page. In 2025, Schaefer posted 97 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
That kind of stat line speaks to a player who’s not just around the ball - he’s making things happen when he gets there.
He’s also got experience and time on his side. With at least two years of eligibility remaining, Schaefer isn’t just a plug-and-play option for next season - he’s someone the Badgers can build around on defense.
That’s been a theme early in Wisconsin’s portal strategy. Earlier in the week, they landed another multi-year piece in Grand Valley State defensive lineman Jibriel Conde, who also brings two years of eligibility into the fold.
What makes Schaefer’s commitment even more significant is the level of competition for his services. He drew interest from a long list of Power Five programs, including Colorado, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa State, Kentucky, and Arkansas. He had visits lined up with several of those schools, but after spending the weekend in Madison, he decided to stay close to home and commit to the Badgers.
For Wisconsin, this is more than just a feel-good story about a local kid coming home. It’s a calculated move to bolster the front seven with a versatile linebacker who’s already shown he can produce at a high level. And with the Badgers looking to take the next step in Year Two under their current regime, bringing in players like Schaefer - experienced, productive, and with room to grow - is exactly how you build momentum in the offseason.