The transfer portal carousel is officially spinning in Madison, and the Wisconsin Badgers are already seeing their first departure. Walk-on outside linebacker Cody Raymond announced Monday that he’s entering the portal, opening the door for a new chapter in his college football journey.
Raymond, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound edge rusher out of Utica, Michigan, joined the Badgers as part of the 2024 class. He turned down scholarship offers from Toledo and Temple to walk on at Wisconsin - a move that speaks to his confidence and belief in what the Badgers were building.
But after two seasons without seeing the field, Raymond is looking for a fresh start. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining wherever he lands next.
Coming out of Eisenhower High School, Raymond was no under-the-radar prospect. He earned First-Team All-State, All-League, and All-Region honors in 2023, showcasing the kind of motor and physical tools that project well at the college level. His size and athleticism made him an intriguing developmental piece for Wisconsin’s defensive front, even if he didn’t crack the rotation during his time in Madison.
His departure is just the beginning of what’s expected to be a busy offseason for the Badgers. The team is heading into a critical stretch where roster turnover - both incoming and outgoing - will shape the direction of the program heading into 2026.
One area that’s already flagged for a reset is the defensive front. Wisconsin is set to lose veteran outside linebacker Mason Reiger and defensive linemen Jay’Viar Suggs, Ben Barten, and Brandon Lane due to eligibility. That’s a significant chunk of experience and leadership walking out the door, and it leaves some real questions about depth and production up front.
The Badgers will need to be aggressive in addressing those holes, whether that’s through the portal, player development, or a combination of both. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and his staff will be tasked with retooling a unit that’s long been a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s identity - tough, physical, and disciplined at the point of attack.
Raymond’s exit may not shake the core of the defense, but it’s a reminder that every piece matters, especially in a system that relies heavily on edge play and rotational depth. As the portal continues to churn, expect more movement in the coming weeks - and with it, more clarity on how Wisconsin plans to reload for the road ahead.