The Wisconsin Badgers are heading into the new year with a roster that’s already feeling the impact of the transfer portal - and the window hasn’t even officially opened yet. With the 14-day portal period set to begin on January 2, Wisconsin is bracing for what’s shaping up to be a significant wave of player movement. As of now, 16 Badgers are expected to depart via the portal, and that number could still rise in the coming days.
This isn’t just a minor reshuffling - it’s a wide-ranging shift that touches both sides of the ball. While every offseason brings some level of turnover, the current list of departures suggests a deeper recalibration underway in Madison.
Let’s break it down by position and eligibility, starting with the most notable names.
**Wide Receiver Joseph Griffin Jr. (R-Jr.)
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Griffin is one of the more experienced players hitting the portal.
As a redshirt junior, he brought size and physicality to the receiving corps. His departure leaves a gap in a room that’s already looking to find consistency.
Griffin’s exit could open the door for younger receivers to step up, but it also puts pressure on the staff to bring in a capable replacement who can contribute right away.
**Tight End Tucker Ashcraft (Jr.) **
Ashcraft’s departure is another notable one on the offensive side. He saw meaningful snaps and was part of the tight end rotation.
With his blend of blocking ability and pass-catching upside, Ashcraft was a versatile piece. His exit means Wisconsin will need to identify a new contributor at a position that’s quietly been a key part of the Badgers' offensive identity for years.
**Linebacker Tackett Curtis (Jr.) **
On the defensive side, Curtis stands out. A junior linebacker, he brought energy and athleticism to the second level of the defense.
His transfer creates a void in a position group that’s already undergoing some changes. Replacing his production and leadership will be a priority this offseason.
**Linebacker Christian Alliegro (Jr.) **
Another linebacker on the move, Alliegro added depth and saw time on special teams. While not always in the spotlight, players like Alliegro are crucial to a program’s overall roster health.
His departure underscores the need for Wisconsin to not only find top-end talent, but also reliable depth.
**Defensive Back Antarron Turner (R-Jr.) **
Turner, a redshirt junior, brought experience to the secondary. His transfer adds to the attrition in the defensive backfield, an area where Wisconsin can’t afford to be thin.
Expect the Badgers to be active in the portal looking for help at corner and safety.
**Defensive Back Geimere Latimer (Jr.) **
Latimer’s exit further compounds the secondary turnover. A junior, he added depth and versatility to the defensive back unit.
With both Turner and Latimer moving on, Wisconsin will need to retool its defensive backfield quickly.
**Punter Atticus Bertrams (Jr.) **
Special teams don’t often make headlines during portal season, but losing a punter like Bertrams isn’t insignificant. Field position matters, especially in tight Big Ten matchups, and Wisconsin will now be looking for a new leg to handle those duties.
Additional Departures
The list also includes several younger players, including redshirt freshmen and sophomores, some of whom were walk-ons (marked with an asterisk). Among them are:
- **Angel Toombs (R-So.) ***
- **Cody Raymond (R-Fr.) ***
While these players may not have had major roles yet, their departures still impact depth and development across the roster. Every scholarship and walk-on spot plays a role in practice reps, scout teams, and future planning.
The Big Picture
With 16 players already set to leave - and more possibly to come - Wisconsin’s coaching staff has its hands full.
This is the new normal in college football: roster management in the transfer portal era is a year-round job. The Badgers will now shift focus to bringing in reinforcements, whether it’s through the portal or the incoming recruiting class.
This level of turnover isn’t necessarily a red flag, but it does signal a program in transition. Whether that’s part of a broader strategy or just the natural churn of today’s game, Wisconsin fans can expect an active few weeks ahead. The portal giveth and taketh - and for the Badgers, the next phase is all about what comes in.