The transfer portal is winding down, but Wisconsin isn’t easing off the gas. With the window set to close later this week, the Badgers have been among the most aggressive and effective programs in the country, and their latest addition only reinforces that momentum.
On Thursday night, Wisconsin added a major piece to its defensive puzzle, landing edge rusher Liam Danitz from Hope College. At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Danitz brings the kind of size and athletic profile that jumps off the tape-and the track.
He’s not just a pass rusher with production (15 sacks and 21 tackles for loss this past season), he’s a flat-out athlete. His 100-meter time?
10.55 seconds. His 200-meter?
20.92. Those are elite numbers for a wide receiver, let alone a defensive lineman.
Danitz didn’t go unnoticed. Wisconsin had to fend off interest from several Power Four schools, including West Virginia, UCLA, and Ole Miss. But it was during his official visit to Madison that things clicked, and he made the call to join the Badgers.
He’s the latest addition to what has become a transfer class loaded with talent and versatility-nearly 30 new faces in total. Wisconsin’s staff has been strategic, targeting players who can step in and contribute across the board.
That includes names like Iowa State safety Carson Van Dinter, BGSU tight end Jacob Harris, Oklahoma State cornerback Eric Fletcher, Florida State cornerback Cai Bates, and USC running back Bryan Jackson, among many others. Whether it’s shoring up the trenches, adding speed to the backfield, or reinforcing the secondary, the Badgers have been methodical in checking boxes.
What stands out most about this transfer haul isn’t just the volume-it’s the balance. Wisconsin has addressed needs at every level of the defense, added depth at quarterback and wide receiver, and brought in athleticism that should translate well to Big Ten play.
Danitz fits right into that blueprint. He’s a high-upside edge rusher with rare speed and a motor that doesn’t quit.
With the portal about to close, Wisconsin’s work looks close to complete-and it’s been a masterclass in roster building.