The transfer portal has been buzzing in Madison, and Luke Fickell’s Wisconsin Badgers have been right in the thick of it. As the dust settles heading into February, it’s clear the Badgers have reshaped their offense in a big way. From quarterback to the offensive line, there’s a lot to unpack-so let’s dive into each position group and see where things stand as spring ball approaches.
Quarterback: A New Face of the Offense
Let’s start under center, where the Badgers may have found their most important piece in Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph. Simply put, he’s the centerpiece of this portal class and the key to unlocking Jeff Grimes’ offensive vision.
Joseph brings a dual-threat skill set that fits Grimes’ system like a glove. His arm talent is real, and his legs aren’t just a bonus-they’re a weapon.
Rushing for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns, regardless of the level, is no small feat. The challenge now is adapting to Big Ten defenses and a new playbook, but the upside is hard to ignore.
Behind him, there’s an intriguing mix. Deuce Adams, a former high three-star recruit from Louisville, is still developing but has tools worth watching.
He’ll be in a battle with Carter Smith for the QB2 spot. True freshman Ryan Hopkins is expected to redshirt and get his feet under him this year.
Grade: A
Running Back: Depth, Talent, and Versatility
This room is loaded-and it might be the most exciting group on the offense.
Abu Sama, formerly of Iowa State, brings a combination of burst and power that should make him the leader of the committee. He’s not just a highlight reel guy-he’s produced, with over 700 yards and five touchdowns last season while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. There’s a bit of Corey Clement in his game, and that’s high praise.
Bryan Jackson joins from USC and offers a physical complement to Sama’s style. He’s got experience in a crowded Trojans backfield and has two years of eligibility left.
Then there’s Nate Palmer, coming in from TCU. He’s more of a long-term play with three years to develop, but the potential is there.
Add in the return of former four-star Darrion Dupree and the arrival of 2026 recruit Qwantavious Wiggins, and new running backs coach Jayden Everett has a full stable to work with. This group is deep, talented, and built to withstand the grind of a Big Ten season.
Grade: A
Wide Receiver: No Headliners, But Plenty of Intrigue
If fans were hoping for a big-name, plug-and-play star at wide receiver, that didn’t happen. But that doesn’t mean this group lacks upside.
Wisconsin went with a “Moneyball” approach here-targeting high-upside players who haven’t broken through yet but have the traits to do so. Malachi Coleman (Minnesota) and Zion Kearney (Oklahoma) both fit that mold.
They’ve got size, speed, and pedigree. Now it’s about development and opportunity.
Jaylon Domingeaux brings proven FCS production from Southeastern Louisiana and has the size to compete right away. Shamar Rigby, who flashed at Oklahoma State after starting at Purdue, is another name to watch. He posted 351 yards and a touchdown last year and has the versatility to move around the formation.
The Badgers also brought in Eli Adams, a former Louisville walk-on and the brother of QB Deuce Adams. He’ll be fighting for a spot this spring.
Re-recruiting Eugene Hilton out of the portal was a quiet win. He’ll be in the thick of the competition for targets, along with returners Chris Brooks Jr. and Tyrell Henry. Incoming freshmen Zion Legree and Keeyshawn Tabuteau could also get early looks, especially in the slot, where the Badgers are a bit thinner.
There’s no surefire WR1 here yet, but there’s enough raw material to build something interesting.
Grade: B/C (with room to grow)
Tight End: Rebuilding With Experience and Grit
Losing Lance Mason to graduation and Tucker Ashcraft to the portal left a void, but Wisconsin moved quickly to reload.
Jacob Harris arrives from Bowling Green with two years of eligibility and a knack for finding the end zone-he scored five times in 2025. He’s a reliable target who can move the chains and contribute in the red zone. While he may not match Mason’s ceiling, he should be a steady presence in the rotation.
Ryan Schwendeman is the other portal addition, a 6’5”, 245-pound blocking specialist with two years left. He brings a physical edge and veteran presence to a young room.
The competition will be stiff, with returners Grant Stec, Jackson McGohan, JT Seagreaves, Emmett Bork, and Nizyi Davis all in the mix. It’s not a flashy group, but it’s deep and capable.
Grade: B
Offensive Line: Stability and Upside
Few hires were more important this offseason than Eric Mateos taking over the offensive line. He’s got a track record of building tough, cohesive units-even on struggling teams-and he’s already making his presence felt.
Mateos didn’t just bring in new blood; he made sure to retain key pieces already on the roster. Keeping 2024 and 2025 standouts like left tackle Kevin Heywood and versatile lineman Emerson Mandell was a big win. The foundation is strong.
The biggest portal splash is Austin Kawecki, a senior center from Oklahoma State. He’s expected to step right into the starting role and bring some much-needed stability to a position that struggled last season.
The Badgers also added a group of young linemen with serious upside: P.J. Wilkins (Ole Miss), Lucas Simmons (Florida State), Blake Cherry (Arkansas), and Stylz Blackmon (Augustana). It’s a mix of Power Five pedigree and developmental potential that gives Mateos a lot to work with.
This group might not be fully formed yet, but the pieces are there-and with Mateos coaching them up, the arrow is pointing up.
Grade: A-
Final Thoughts
The Wisconsin offense is in the middle of a transformation, and the 2026 transfer portal cycle has been a major catalyst. Luke Fickell and his staff didn’t just plug holes-they brought in players who fit their vision and can elevate the program.
Colton Joseph is the headliner, but the depth at running back, the upside at wide receiver, and the stability forming along the offensive line all point to a group that’s trending in the right direction. There’s still work to be done, but the foundation is solid-and the competition this spring should be fierce.
Next up: the defense. Stay tuned.