The Wisconsin Badgers are now up to 16 players in the transfer portal, with tight end Tucker Ashcraft the latest to announce his departure. It’s a notable move, especially considering Ashcraft was positioned to be the team’s top returning tight end heading into 2026.
With veteran Lance Mason out of eligibility-and still fighting for a possible extra year-Ashcraft was in line for a significant role next season. But instead of stepping into that opportunity in Madison, he’s opted for a fresh start elsewhere.
Ashcraft’s time at Wisconsin had its moments, but he never quite had that breakout campaign many hoped for. A 2023 three-star recruit, he saw the field in 25 games over his first two seasons and showed flashes of potential.
His most productive stretch actually came during his freshman year, when he was thrust into action due to some unexpected shuffling at the tight end position. As the No. 2 option that year, he hauled in eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown-solid numbers for a first-year player getting thrown into the mix.
In 2024, he maintained that No. 2 role, this time behind Riley Nowakowski, and added 12 receptions for 82 yards and another score. But 2025 was a different story.
Ashcraft appeared in just four games, catching two passes for 10 yards and preserving his redshirt in the process. That decision now gives him two full years of eligibility wherever he lands next.
From Wisconsin’s perspective, this move adds another layer of uncertainty to the tight end room. If Mason’s eligibility appeal doesn’t go through, the Badgers could be in the market for a portal pickup at the position. With Ashcraft gone and no clear-cut successor on the roster, it’s a position group that suddenly feels thin heading into a pivotal offseason.
Ashcraft’s departure might not make headlines nationally, but for a Wisconsin team looking to retool and reload, it’s another key piece walking out the door.