Wisconsin Badgers Eye Transfer Portal for Quarterback Reinforcements
With the transfer portal set to officially open on January 2nd, the Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for what could be a pivotal offseason move - adding a quarterback capable of stabilizing a position that’s been anything but steady in recent years.
Since Luke Fickell took over in Madison, the quarterback room has been a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency. Last offseason brought a full-scale overhaul, but the results didn’t quite match the expectations. Now, with another opportunity to reset, Wisconsin is expected to be aggressive in finding a signal-caller who can step in and lead this team in 2026.
The Portal Watch Begins
While the portal doesn’t officially open until early January, the wheels are already turning behind the scenes. Players are beginning to test the waters, field offers, and schedule visits. Wisconsin is clearly in the market for at least one quarterback - and potentially more - to reshape the room heading into spring ball.
Let’s break down some of the key names the Badgers are reportedly monitoring as they search for a quarterback who can elevate the offense and bring consistency to a program that’s been stuck in neutral under center.
The Producer: Colton Joseph, Old Dominion
2025 Stats:
- 2,624 passing yards, 21 TDs, 10 INTs, 69.1 QBR
- 158 carries, 1,007 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs
Career Totals:
- 4,251 passing yards, 32 TDs, 15 INTs
- 24 rushing touchdowns
Joseph is one of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the portal. He helped guide Old Dominion to a 10-win season - the best in program history - and opted out of the bowl game to begin focusing on his next chapter.
What makes Joseph intriguing is his ability to stretch the field with his arm while also being a legitimate threat in the run game. He’s fast, elusive, and can make defenders miss in space. That mobility makes him a nightmare to game-plan against, especially when the pocket breaks down.
There are some concerns, particularly with turnovers - Joseph threw 10 interceptions this past season, often trying to force plays that weren’t there. But when he’s in rhythm and protected, he can be surgical.
He won't come cheap, though. With production like his, expect a hefty NIL price tag.
The Comeback Story: Peevy Stokes, West Florida
2025 Stats:
- 3,297 passing yards, 30 TDs, 13 INTs, 61% completion
- 82 carries, 367 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs
- Finalist for the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy (DII’s Heisman equivalent)
Stokes’ journey has been anything but conventional. Once a four-star recruit headed to Florida, off-field controversy derailed his FBS future - at least temporarily. He’s since rebuilt his stock at West Florida, and now he's poised to make the leap to a Power Five program.
Wisconsin was among the first to reach out when Stokes entered the portal, and the connection deepens with the Badgers also targeting his former teammate and wide receiver Corey Scott. That familiarity could be a factor, though competition for Stokes is heating up quickly. Syracuse and others have already lined up visits.
Stokes brings a strong arm, mobility, and a chip on his shoulder. He’s got the tools - and the motivation - to succeed at the next level.
The Unproven Star: Kenny Minchey, Notre Dame
Career Stats:
- 212 passing yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 79.3% completion
- 9 carries, 96 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
Minchey was a top-15 quarterback recruit in the 2023 class and committed to Notre Dame with high expectations. But with a logjam at the position - including names like Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard, and now freshman standout CJ Carr - Minchey’s path to the field was blocked.
He’s shown flashes in limited action, and his high school tape still carries weight. But this would be a high-upside gamble for the Badgers - a player with pedigree, but not much college experience. If Wisconsin wants to roll the dice on a young quarterback with significant upside, Minchey fits that mold.
The Big Ten Bounce-Back: Katin Houser, East Carolina
2025 Stats:
- 3,300 passing yards, 19 TDs, 6 INTs, 65.9% completion
Career Totals:
- 6,438 passing yards, 43 TDs, 22 INTs
- 183 carries, 352 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs
Houser has taken the long road through college football. He started at Michigan State, where he got his first taste of Big Ten action in 2023, but struggled to find his footing. A transfer to East Carolina helped him reset, and he’s now coming off back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons with improved efficiency.
What makes Houser stand out is his experience. He’s a one-year rental, but one with a ton of live reps under his belt.
That’s something Wisconsin has tried before - with mixed results (see: Mordecai, Van Dyke, Edwards Jr.). But Houser might be the most complete passer of the bunch and could offer a stabilizing presence in the short term.
Still, there’s no guarantee he’d be the answer long-term, and it’s unclear whether a return to the Big Ten - especially with the Badgers - is on his radar.
The Dark Horse: Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
2025 Stats:
- 2,800 passing yards, 27 TDs, 5 INTs, 61.6% completion
Career Totals:
- 7,208 passing yards, 60 TDs, 18 INTs
- 319 carries, 1,305 rushing yards, 22 rushing TDs
Sorsby brings a lot to the table - experience, production, and the ability to make plays with his legs. He’s one of the more complete quarterbacks available in the portal, and his dual-threat ability would fit well in a modern, spread-style offense.
But there’s a catch: Sorsby’s stock is high, and he’s already being linked to programs like Texas Tech. That means Wisconsin would need to put together a compelling offer, both in terms of NIL and opportunity, to land him.
He’s got one year of eligibility left, so any team that adds him is getting a seasoned, plug-and-play starter. For the Badgers, it would be a calculated risk - but one with high upside if they can pull it off.
Where Wisconsin Goes From Here
The Badgers are in a tough spot. They need a quarterback who can start right away, but also someone who can help elevate the offense beyond what it’s been the past few years. That’s a tall order, especially with the competition in the portal heating up and NIL deals playing a bigger role than ever.
Whether it’s a proven dual-threat like Colton Joseph, a high-upside reclamation like Peevy Stokes, or a veteran presence like Katin Houser or Brendan Sorsby, Wisconsin has options. The question now is: who fits best - not just on paper, but in the locker room, on the field, and in the system Fickell and his staff are building?
One thing is clear: the Badgers can’t afford to miss again at quarterback. This next move could define the direction of the program heading into 2026 and beyond.