Wisconsin Badgers Eyeing Portal Targets to Revamp Passing Game After Disappointing Season
After a 4-8 season that fell well short of expectations, the Wisconsin Badgers are heading into the transfer portal window with urgency-and for good reason. The offense sputtered in 2025, particularly through the air, and if Wisconsin wants to avoid another underwhelming campaign in 2026, the rebuild has to start now.
The Badgers ranked dead last in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (136.4) and total receptions (157). That’s not just a red flag-it’s a flashing siren. Combine that with the recent departures at wide receiver, and it’s clear where the program’s focus will be: reloading the receiver room and finding a quarterback who can make the offense click.
Among the names leaving Madison are starter Trech Kekahuna, prized recruit Eugene Hilton Jr., and former four-star Kyan Berry-Johnson. That’s a significant talent drain at a position already in need of a boost.
With new NIL resources reportedly in play, Wisconsin is expected to be aggressive in the portal, especially on offense. But landing top-tier talent won’t be easy without a proven quarterback in place.
The two positions are connected, and Wisconsin’s ability to bring in impact receivers may depend on who’s throwing the ball in 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the wideouts Wisconsin is reportedly targeting-and what each could bring to the table.
Muizz Tounkara - Florida Gators (Freshman)
2025 Stats: 2 receptions, 12 yards
Wisconsin was in the mix for Tounkara during his original recruitment, and now the Badgers have another shot. The former Florida Gator has entered the portal after a quiet freshman year that saw him appear in games against LIU, Kentucky, and LSU. While the stat line is modest, the potential is still there.
Tounkara’s decision to transfer stems from a down year in Gainesville and changes on the coaching staff. He’s expected to draw significant interest across the country, and while it’s unclear where Wisconsin stands in the pecking order, a reunion isn’t out of the question. Given his previous connection to the program, the Badgers could be in the conversation-especially if they can sell a vision for immediate playing time.
Jayden Gibson - Oklahoma Sooners (Junior)
2023 Stats: 14 receptions, 375 yards, 5 touchdowns
Gibson is one of the more intriguing names in the portal. A 6-foot-5 former four-star recruit, he brings size, athleticism, and a high ceiling-if he’s healthy.
Gibson missed the entire 2024 season due to injury but returned to practice this fall. Despite being cleared, he couldn’t crack the Sooners’ rotation and ultimately left the team in October.
His last full season of action in 2023 showed flashes of big-play ability, and that’s exactly what Wisconsin needs. The question is whether the Badgers can get in early and make a strong enough pitch to land him.
According to reports, Wisconsin is considered a “team to watch” in the Gibson sweepstakes. If they can sell him on a prominent role and a fresh start, they might just have a shot.
Kam Perry - Miami (OH) RedHawks (Junior)
2025 Stats: 42 receptions, 966 yards, 6 touchdowns
Perry may not be a household name yet, but he’s been one of the most explosive receivers in the country this season. His 23 yards per catch ranks third nationally, and he topped 100 yards in four games-including a 108-yard performance against Rutgers. That kind of downfield threat is exactly what Wisconsin’s offense has been missing.
Though he didn’t face the Badgers this year, Perry is no stranger to the Big Ten. He began his career at Indiana and could be eyeing a return to the conference. Wisconsin is reportedly interested, and if they can pair him with a quarterback who can push the ball vertically, Perry could be a game-changer in Madison.
Unnamed West Florida Receiver
2025 Stats: 63 receptions, 1,018 yards, 4 touchdowns
Of all the portal targets on Wisconsin’s radar, this Division II standout might be the most attainable-and that’s not a knock. He’s coming off a 1,000-yard season with West Florida and has already drawn interest from the Badgers, who were among the first to offer him a scholarship.
While he doesn’t carry the same name recognition or price tag as some of the Power Five options, his production speaks for itself. He’s a proven deep threat with the kind of big-play ability that could thrive in the right system. And with Wisconsin in need of both talent and depth, this could be a smart, high-upside addition.
The Bigger Picture
For Wisconsin, the challenge isn’t just bringing in talent-it’s assembling a cohesive offense that can compete in a rapidly evolving Big Ten. That starts with the passing game, and right now, the Badgers are starting from scratch.
The portal offers an opportunity to inject life into the offense, but success will depend on more than just names on a roster. It’s about fit, chemistry, and finding the right pieces to elevate the system.
The good news? Wisconsin seems ready to make moves.
The next few weeks will be critical as the staff looks to reshape the offense and put the 2025 season in the rearview mirror. If they can land even one or two of these targets-and find a quarterback who can tie it all together-the Badgers could be a very different team come next fall.