Defensive lineman James Thompson Jr has officially signed with Illinois, making him the third member of the Badgers' defense to join the Fighting Illini.
Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson has signed with Illinois, @On3sports has learned. https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/Y1r1xil7hv
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 25, 2024
Following outside linebacker Leon Lowery and fellow defensive lineman Curt Neal, Thompson Jr. is now the third Badger to head south to Champaign. He missed almost all of 2024 after suffering a pectoral tear, and will now play his final season of college football for Bret Bielema.
Is Illinois becoming Wisconsin South?
Illinois stocking up on the former Badger defensive front is certainly a bit of a gamble, as the unit as a whole was one of the weakest parts of the defense this past season. But the Illinois defensive coordinator is former Badger Aaron Henry, and he appears to be looking to stockpile players from his alma mater.
While Wisconsin has lost over two dozen players to the portal so far, they've been able to recoup and even improve in some areas. 247 currently ranks the Badgers' transfer class as the seventh best in the country. Luke Fickell and the Badgers have already added a few new defensive lineman in Charles Perkins from UT-Martin and Parker Peterson out of Tulane, as well as a bevy of new edge rushers.