The Wisconsin Badgers didn’t just dip their toe into the transfer portal this offseason - they dove in headfirst and came up with a haul that could reshape their 2026 campaign. After a season that left plenty of questions, Wisconsin’s staff clearly prioritized experience, versatility, and impact across the board.
And the results? A transfer class that’s not just deep, but strategically built to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Let’s break down the five most important additions - not just based on talent, but on how well they fit what Wisconsin needs right now.
5. CB Bryce West - A Big Ten Battle-Tested Corner
Wisconsin’s transfer class was heavy on offensive firepower, but Bryce West’s arrival brings some much-needed balance. The former Ohio State cornerback was a four-star recruit with three years of eligibility left - and he’s not just here to fill out the depth chart.
West comes in with Big Ten experience, and that matters. He’s already seen high-level competition, and he’s shown he can hold his own.
What makes West particularly valuable is his versatility. He can line up outside or slide into the slot, giving the Badgers flexibility in how they match up against today’s spread-heavy offenses. Wisconsin’s defense gets a boost in athleticism and playmaking potential with West in the fold - and in a conference known for physical, grind-it-out football, having a corner who can cover and tackle is a big deal.
4. WR Shamar Rigby - A Reliable Target for a Revamped Passing Attack
The Badgers lost a lot of production at wide receiver, and that’s where Shamar Rigby comes in. A big-bodied, experienced pass catcher, Rigby offers the kind of security blanket every quarterback loves. He’s not just a possession guy - he can stretch the field with his size and catch radius, and he knows how to win contested balls.
In a young receiver room, Rigby brings leadership and reliability. He’s the kind of receiver who can help move the chains on third down and make the tough grabs in traffic. And with a new quarterback under center, having a veteran target like Rigby could be the difference between a stalled drive and six points.
3. C Austin Kawecki - Stabilizing the Heart of the Offensive Line
If you want to win in the Big Ten, you’d better be solid in the trenches. Wisconsin understands that better than most, which makes the addition of center Austin Kawecki so important. After losing key pieces up front, the Badgers needed someone who could step in and take command of the offensive line - and Kawecki fits that bill.
He brings a wealth of experience and a steady presence in the middle. That’s not just about snapping the ball cleanly - it’s about making protection calls, identifying blitzes, and anchoring the interior against some of the best defensive fronts in the country. Kawecki’s arrival helps solidify the run game and gives the new quarterback the time he needs to operate.
2. RB Abu Sama - Explosiveness in the Backfield
Wisconsin has a long history of producing elite running backs, and Abu Sama looks like the next name in that lineage. He’s not just a volume back - he’s a playmaker.
Sama brings quickness, vision, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. He showed at his previous stop that he can handle a full workload, and now he steps into a Wisconsin offense that’s built to run the football.
What separates Sama is his blend of reliability and explosiveness. He can grind out tough yards between the tackles, but he also has the burst to turn a routine carry into a game-breaking play. For an offense that needed more juice on the ground, Sama is a major upgrade.
1. QB Colton Joseph - The New Face of the Offense
Let’s be honest: everything starts at quarterback. And for Wisconsin, Colton Joseph is the crown jewel of this transfer class.
He’s a proven dual-threat who brings real production - both through the air and on the ground. Joseph isn’t just a stopgap; he’s a potential game-changer.
His mobility adds a new dimension to the offense. Defenses will have to account for his legs on every snap, which opens up the playbook and creates opportunities for everyone around him. Whether it’s extending plays, picking up first downs with his feet, or hitting receivers on the move, Joseph gives Wisconsin a dynamic presence under center that they haven’t had in a while.
More importantly, he brings leadership and poise - two qualities that can’t be overstated when you’re building a new-look offense.
Final Thoughts: A Transfer Class Built to Compete Now
This isn’t just a group of talented transfers - it’s a class that fills real, immediate needs. From Joseph at quarterback to Kawecki on the line, Sama in the backfield, Rigby out wide, and West in the secondary, Wisconsin has addressed key areas with players who are ready to contribute right away.
It’s a clear signal that the Badgers aren’t content to wait for a rebuild. They’re reloading - and with the pieces they’ve added, they’re positioning themselves to make serious noise in the Big Ten this fall.