Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers are clearly making the edge position a top offseason priority-and they’re not wasting any time. For the second straight day, the Badgers have added a new pass rusher through the transfer portal. After landing D3 All-American Liam Danitz yesterday, Wisconsin followed it up by securing one of the Sun Belt’s top-graded edge defenders: Denigel Cooper from Appalachian State.
At 6'3", 260 pounds, Cooper brings a unique mix of size, athleticism, and upside to Madison. He was just a true freshman last season at App State, but he already made waves in the conference.
Cooper totaled 23 tackles and earned a 73.3 grade from PFSN-an impressive mark for a first-year player going up against experienced offensive lines. With three full years of eligibility remaining, he’s not just a short-term fix; he’s a long-term investment with Big Ten potential.
Coming out of high school, Cooper was a 3-star recruit with offers from several programs, including ECU, Indiana, and Minnesota. He chose App State for the opportunity to contribute early, and he made good on that decision. Now, he’s ready to take the next step-this time on a bigger stage, against tougher competition, and with a Wisconsin defense that’s being retooled to get after quarterbacks with relentless pressure.
Cooper becomes the fourth edge rusher Wisconsin has added this portal cycle. The first was Justus Boone from Arkansas, another young player with multiple years of eligibility.
Then came Jayden Loftin from Tennessee, a high-upside talent who adds depth and versatility. Danitz, with one year left, brings experience and production.
And now Cooper, a rising talent who could grow into a key piece of the Badgers’ defensive front.
What Fickell and his staff are doing here is strategic. They’re not just plugging holes-they’re building a pipeline.
This group of transfers gives Wisconsin a blend of immediate impact and developmental upside, something that’s critical when you’re trying to compete in a physical, quarterback-driven Big Ten. Cooper may not be a household name yet, but with his motor, frame, and early production, he’s got a real shot to make noise.
Bottom line: Wisconsin’s edge room just got deeper, younger, and more dangerous. And with Fickell’s emphasis on defensive disruption, don’t be surprised if Cooper becomes a name Big Ten offenses learn to circle on the scouting report.