Wisconsin Badgers Navigate Spring Transfer Portal As Roster Needs Grow

Madison, Wis. — The spring transfer portal window opened today, April 16, 2025, and the Wisconsin Badgers are poised to make significant moves in response to recent roster changes. The team, preparing for the upcoming season, faces crucial needs particularly on the offensive front following key player departures.

Notably, starting left tackle Tucker Ashcraft is out for the season due to a torn ACL, and wide receivers Mark Hamper and Quincy Burroughs have entered the transfer portal. Their exits come as Wisconsin’s offense is set to undergo a critical transformation under new coordinator Jeff Grimes, who intends to shift the team’s strategy back to a pro-style approach.

Hamper, who transferred to Wisconsin after a successful season at the Football Championship Subdivision level, was expected to be a vital contributor in the 2025 season after leading his previous team with impressive stats of 48 catches, 966 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. His quick departure could impact the depth and effectiveness of Wisconsin’s receiving corps.

Burroughs, a holdover from last season, saw limited action, managing only five catches for 43 yards during his tenure. His role was primarily as a depth option, although the competition in the wide receiver room has intensified, leading to his decision to move on.

The Badgers will be actively seeking to fill these gaps. With Ashcraft’s injury and the loss of two projected starters—each pivotal to Wisconsin’s offensive plan—finding suitable replacements is vital. The team is expected to target left tackle and tight end positions critically, as it aims to enhance its frontline performance ahead of the season.

The transfer portal remains open until April 25, allowing athletes to enter until that date, while those already in the portal have no deadline for committing to new programs. This window is particularly volatile, with significant player movement anticipated across the NCAA landscape.

As the Wisconsin Badgers look to fortify their roster, they join numerous other programs navigating the complexities of the spring transfer portal. Teams nationwide are adapting to new NCAA guidelines, which limit rosters to 105 players, prompting schools to carefully assess their lineups.

Only days after a series of injuries and transfers, Wisconsin faces pressing needs and an opportunity to reshape its roster. The upcoming days will be critical as interested players make their choices, while Badgers fans eagerly await updates on new commitments.

For continuous updates, follow Wisconsin Badgers coverage via College Sports Network, where all transfer actions by players will be tracked extensively alongside insights and analysis.