Redshirt freshman Jay Harper jumped into the portal after last season. He was unable to see any playing time in his first season at Wisconsin, and it didn't appear that would change in his second season. He chose to look for a better fit and more immediate playing time in the portal. A few weeks ago, he put his name into the transfer portal, and after evaluating his options, he found a new home at the University of Louisana-Monroe.
Jay Harper has transferred to ULM to play under head coach Bryant Vincent
Jay Harper came to the Wisconsin Badgers as a 3-star prospect from Valley, Alabama. He was a two-way player in high school and was awarded Valley High School defensive back and special teams player of the year in 2023.
For many, watching a player like Harper go from Wisconsin to ULM may seem like a step-down, but with how the transfer portal works nowadays, getting playing time is key. He can use a year or two at ULM under head coach Bryant Vincent, and with enough tape and stats to back it up, he could propel himself back into a high-major conversation to close his career.
It's also hard for a player with zero college tape to make even a lateral move. There's not going to be enough interest in an unproven player. Going to ULM will allow him to prove he belongs, earn a starting spot, and then use a season or two to do what needs to be done to accomplish his goals. This move also allows him to be closer to home. As a kid from Alabama, Wisconsin is a long way from home, but Louisana-Monroe is only about a six-hour drive.
The fit seems to be a whole lot better for Jay Harper at ULM than it was at Wisconsin so hats off to him for taking the step he needed to for his college career.