The Wisconsin Badgers have seen a flurry of movement in the transfer portal this offseason, with 23 players entering their names. But not all departures are final.
Two players - wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. and defensive back Charles Perkins - have already reversed course, withdrawing from the portal and recommitting to the program. That kind of retention is notable, especially in today's era of player mobility.
Could more returns be on the table? Let’s take a closer look at the three remaining Badgers still in the portal and assess where things stand.
RB Cade Yacamelli: A Familiar Face with Unfinished Business?
Cade Yacamelli is the name that stands out most when it comes to potential returns. He’s been part of the Wisconsin program for four seasons, and while he’s never climbed higher than RB3 on the depth chart, he’s carved out a niche as a dependable third-down back and a willing pass protector - the kind of player who might not fill the highlight reel but earns the trust of coaches in key situations.
Yacamelli averaged just 3.4 yards per carry this past season, a number that doesn’t leap off the page. But his experience and understanding of the Badgers' system give him a level of comfort and familiarity that could make a return plausible.
If he’s looking for a bigger role, a move to a mid-major program might be the best path to increased touches. Still, among the three players still in the portal, Yacamelli feels like the most likely candidate to find his way back to Madison - even if it would still come as a bit of a surprise.
EDGE Ernest Willor Jr.: Talent in Search of Opportunity
Ernest Willor Jr. came to Wisconsin with plenty of promise. A former four-star recruit and top-120 national prospect, he had the kind of pedigree that usually translates into early playing time.
But that never materialized in Madison. In two seasons, Willor didn’t register a single tackle or sack, and with the Badgers aggressively reloading their edge rusher group through the portal this offseason, his path to the field in 2026 looked even murkier.
Willor still has the upside that made him a coveted recruit, but at this point, it’s clear that potential won’t be realized in a Badgers uniform. He’s expected to move on, and a fresh start elsewhere could be exactly what he needs to reboot his career and get back on track.
WR Joseph Griffin Jr.: A Crowded Room and Limited Reps
Joseph Griffin Jr. is another player who arrived in Madison with high expectations. A four-star transfer from Boston College, Griffin had to sit out the 2024 season due to NCAA transfer rules. When he finally got on the field in 2025, his impact was minimal - just one catch for five yards.
The challenge for Griffin is simple: opportunity. Wisconsin has added three new wide receivers through the portal, and that influx of talent has only added to an already crowded receiver room.
Griffin’s chances of carving out a meaningful role in 2026 look slim, and a return to Madison would be unexpected at this stage. Like Willor, he’s likely seeking a better fit elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across college football, and Wisconsin is no exception. While the Badgers have already managed to retain a couple of key players, the remaining trio in the portal each face different paths forward.
Cade Yacamelli’s long tenure and role familiarity make him a possible - albeit unlikely - returnee. For Ernest Willor Jr. and Joseph Griffin Jr., the writing appears to be on the wall: it’s time for a new chapter.