Redshirt junior offensive lineman Leyton Nelson has officially entered the transfer portal, making his decision public on Friday afternoon - the final day of the winter portal window.
Nelson’s time in Madison was brief and largely behind the scenes. He appeared in five games for the Badgers this past season, with most of his action coming on special teams. Injuries played a role in limiting his availability, and he ultimately didn’t see the field at all during the 2024 campaign.
Before arriving at Wisconsin, Nelson was part of Vanderbilt’s offensive line rotation. He made the move to the Badgers ahead of the 2024 season, hoping for a fresh start and more opportunity. Now, he’ll be looking for another new home, entering the portal with one season of eligibility remaining.
From a roster standpoint, Nelson’s departure doesn’t shake up Wisconsin’s offensive line plans in any major way. He wasn’t a regular in the rotation, and the Badgers have already been active in reshaping the unit this offseason.
With new offensive line coach Eric Mateos stepping in and four new linemen added via the portal, the room is clearly undergoing a transformation. For Nelson, this move could be about finding a better fit in a crowded and evolving position group.
The timing makes sense. With the portal window closing and the Badgers making clear moves toward a revamped line, Nelson now has a chance to explore his options and potentially land somewhere he can contribute in his final collegiate season.