The Wisconsin Badgers are entering a pivotal offseason, and it starts with the most important position on the field: quarterback. After a 2025 campaign that left more questions than answers under center, the Badgers are expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal-and for good reason.
With more NIL resources reportedly at their disposal, Wisconsin has the opportunity to make a serious splash. And make no mistake, they’ll need to. If the Badgers want to keep pace in an increasingly competitive Big Ten-and nationally-they’ll have to land one of the top quarterbacks on the move this offseason.
Let’s break down the top signal-callers in the portal who could change the trajectory of Wisconsin’s 2026 season.
Brendan Sorsby - The Headliner
When Brendan Sorsby announced he was entering the portal instead of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, it sent shockwaves through college football. He was a legitimate draft prospect-some even had him pegged for Day 1-but instead, he's now the most coveted quarterback available.
Sorsby lit it up at Cincinnati this past season: 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just five picks. Add in 580 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground, and you’ve got a true dual-threat weapon. His arm talent is legit, and he’s got the kind of poise and playmaking ability that makes offensive coordinators salivate.
Reports suggest he could command up to $4 million in NIL deals. That’s a hefty price tag, but for a quarterback of his caliber, it’s not surprising. Programs with serious ambitions-and serious budgets-will be lining up.
DJ Lagway - A Bounce-Back Candidate
DJ Lagway is on the move after a tough sophomore year at Florida. Injuries and inconsistency limited him to 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. But there’s still plenty of intrigue here.
As a freshman, Lagway flashed high-level arm talent and mobility. If he can get healthy and into the right system, there’s potential for a serious rebound. He’s raw, but the upside is still there.
Dylan Raiola - Five-Star Talent Still Finding His Footing
Dylan Raiola is another big name in the portal. A former five-star recruit, Raiola posted 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions this past season. He’s still developing, but the tools are undeniable.
He’s got the arm, the pedigree, and the upside to be a star if he lands in the right spot. Don’t be surprised if a powerhouse program takes a swing here-he’s the kind of player you bet on long-term.
Drew Mestemaker - The Stat Sheet Stuffer
If you’re looking for production, look no further than Drew Mestemaker. The redshirt freshman from North Texas led all of college football in passing yards this season with 4,129. He also tossed 31 touchdowns to just seven interceptions and added five rushing scores.
He’s not just a system guy-Mestemaker showed the ability to push the ball downfield and make plays off-script. His decision to enter the portal makes him one of the most intriguing names out there, and while there’s talk he could follow his coach to Oklahoma State, he’ll have plenty of suitors.
Rocco Becht - The Proven Winner
Rocco Becht is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the portal. After three seasons at Iowa State, he’s racked up 9,274 career passing yards and 26 wins-more than any other returning quarterback.
He’s a steady presence with a strong résumé, and while he may not have the flash of some other names on this list, he brings consistency and leadership. That’s going to appeal to a lot of programs looking for a plug-and-play starter.
Josh Hoover - Quietly Productive
Josh Hoover might not have the same national name recognition, but his numbers speak volumes. With 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdowns, he’s been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country.
He’s not a dual-threat, but he’s accurate, experienced, and knows how to run an offense. Expect him to draw interest from teams looking for a veteran presence under center.
Sam Leavitt - The Playoff Breakout
Sam Leavitt made a name for himself when Arizona State made the College Football Playoff last season. He threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 24 touchdowns that year, and even though injuries slowed him down this season, he still managed 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He’s got the tools and the big-game experience. If he can stay healthy, he’s absolutely a name to watch.
Kenny Minchey - The Wild Card
Kenny Minchey transferred from Notre Dame but didn’t win the starting job, losing out to C.J. Carr. Still, the talent is there.
He’s a dual-threat with a high ceiling, and Wisconsin is reportedly interested. He’s unproven at the college level, but he’s the kind of player who could thrive with the right coaching and system.
Aidan Chiles - The Five-Star with Upside
Aidan Chiles had a limited 2025 due to injury, but he still managed 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing over 63% of his passes at Michigan State.
Chiles is a former five-star recruit with pro potential. If he can stay healthy, he’s got the tools to be a difference-maker. He’ll draw attention from top-tier programs.
Beau Pribula - Looking for a Fresh Start
Beau Pribula started the season at Missouri before a leg injury sidelined him. He’s now back in the portal, and Wisconsin had interest in him last cycle.
He’s a capable athlete with starting experience, and depending on how his rehab goes, he could be a solid option for a team looking for depth or a bridge starter.
Colton Joseph - The Group of 5 Star
Colton Joseph is a name that’s gaining steam. He threw for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while rushing for over 1,000 yards and 13 more scores. That’s back-to-back years with double-digit rushing TDs.
He’s only a sophomore, but he’s already one of the most dynamic dual-threats in the country. Wisconsin has early interest, and for good reason-he brings a unique skill set that could open up the playbook.
Aaron Philo - The Sleeper
Aaron Philo doesn’t have much experience, but he made the most of his lone start at Georgia Tech, throwing for 373 yards against Gardner-Webb. He’s a redshirt freshman with a big arm and some upside.
He’s a developmental prospect, but there’s something there. For a team with depth at QB, he’d be a smart long-term investment.
Wisconsin’s Quarterback Outlook
Let’s call it like it is-Wisconsin needs to land one of these guys. The Badgers can’t afford to go into 2026 without a proven playmaker at quarterback. With the transfer portal brimming with talent and the NIL arms race in full swing, this is the time to strike.
The competition will be fierce. Programs like Oregon, Tennessee, Florida, Miami, LSU, Penn State, and others are all in the market for a new QB-and many of them can match or exceed Wisconsin’s NIL offers.
But if the Badgers want to turn the corner under center and finally get the offense humming, this offseason is their shot. The talent is out there. Now it’s about making the right call-and closing the deal.