Wisconsin Badgers Eye Slippery Rock Standout Kanye Thompson to Reinforce Secondary
The Wisconsin Badgers are once again dipping into the non-FBS talent pool, and this time, their attention has turned to a high-motor, high-upside defensive back out of Division II. Slippery Rock’s Kanye Thompson has drawn interest from over 30 programs since entering the transfer portal, and Wisconsin is among the schools looking to land the redshirt junior playmaker.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Badgers. They’ve shown a willingness to look beyond the Power Five and even the FBS altogether to find talent that fits their system. Whether it was a JUCO commit in the 2026 class or a previous portal pickup from Grand Valley State, Wisconsin has made a habit of identifying overlooked athletes who bring toughness, versatility, and a chip on their shoulder.
Now, they’ve got their eyes on Thompson - and for good reason.
Thompson Brings Production, Versatility, and Physicality
At 6-foot, 170 pounds, Thompson may not have prototypical size, but he plays with the kind of speed, instincts, and physical edge that translate well to the Big Ten. This past season at Slippery Rock, he put together his most complete campaign to date: 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and four forced fumbles. That’s not just production - that’s disruption.
Thompson’s tape shows a defensive back who thrives in chaos. He’s comfortable in traffic, willing to lower his shoulder, and has a knack for finding the football - whether that’s blowing up a run play, chasing down a quarterback, or punching the ball loose. His ability to play downhill like a safety while still holding his own in coverage makes him a hybrid threat in the secondary.
And it’s not just about effort. Thompson’s speed is real - he closes gaps in the blink of an eye, tracks plays sideline to sideline, and shows fluid hips that allow him to mirror receivers.
His eyes are constantly working, reading the quarterback, diagnosing routes, and reacting with precision. That kind of field awareness is hard to teach.
Wisconsin’s Secondary Has Holes - and Thompson Could Fill One
The Badgers are in the market for immediate help in the secondary. With veterans Ricardo Hallman and D’Yoni Hill moving on, Wisconsin is set to lose nearly 1,100 snaps of experience from its defensive backfield. That’s a lot of production, leadership, and continuity walking out the door - and it leaves two starting spots wide open heading into next season.
Thompson could be a plug-and-play piece in that equation. He’s not just experienced - he’s battle-tested, albeit at the D-II level. But his film and stat sheet suggest a player ready to take on a bigger challenge.
There’s also a potential ripple effect in play. The recent flip of four-star running back Amari Latimer to West Virginia could have implications for the Badgers’ defensive backfield.
His brother, Geimere Latimer, has previously expressed interest in playing alongside Amari, which could lead to a transfer decision down the line. That only increases the urgency for Wisconsin to shore up its depth now.
Competition Is Fierce - and the Clock Is Ticking
Wisconsin isn’t the only program chasing Thompson. Arkansas has already locked in a visit, and Kansas hosted him last month. Penn State and Pittsburgh are also lurking as regional options, though the Nittany Lions haven’t extended an offer yet.
Meanwhile, Nebraska, TCU, Texas Tech, and Kansas State have all jumped into the mix recently. And with the portal heating up, Thompson’s stock is only rising. He was one of the earlier entries this cycle, which means some schools may try to move quickly to secure a commitment before the market gets too crowded.
If the Badgers are serious about adding Thompson to their 2026 plans, they’ll need to act fast - a visit, an offer, and a clear role in the defense could go a long way.
Final Word
Kanye Thompson might be coming from a Division II program, but his game speaks a Power Five language. He’s fast, physical, and fearless - the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a roster spot but competes to start. For a Wisconsin secondary that’s about to undergo major changes, Thompson could be a timely and valuable addition.
The Badgers have shown they’re not afraid to go off the beaten path to find the right fit. Now, it’s about whether they can close the deal before another program snags one of the most intriguing defensive backs in the portal.