The Badgers certainly aren't done in the portal; in fact, you could expect that they add a few more players. However, with the latest addition, they've addressed every need in the portal. The puzzle is complete for Fickell in handling every position that either needed an upgrade or depth or both. It all came down to the Tennessee transfer Jayden Loftin.
Wisconsin needed to add at least one more edge rusher, and they did that by bringing in Loftin. Sure, they may still grab another, but they've now done at least what they've set out to do.
BREAKING: Tennessee edge Jayden Loftin commits to WISCONSIN, he tells @Badger247 pic.twitter.com/WsooMxczKv
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) January 10, 2026
Wisconsin adds Jayden Loftin from Tennessee via the transfer portal
Related: Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: Who's out, in, and the speculation
Loftin is actually a very interesting addition because he was a Badger target out of high school and yet decided to go be a Vol. A year later, he used the transfer portal to go where he should have always gone, Madison. It's big news for the Badgers, too, as he didn't use up any of his eligibility this season. He only played in one game to preserve his redshirt.
The former 4-star recruit is now going to be part of the rotational play of edge rushers for Wisconsin. He was one of the best players at his position in high school and had over 20 Division I offers. At 6'4 and 255 pounds, he's a force to be reckoned with.
That year he spent at Tennessee getting bigger, stronger, and learning what it looks like to play at the next level will pay dividends for Wisconsin, who now need him to cause havoc in the backfield, taking down quarterbacks.
He's the second edge commitment the Badgers have picked up in the portal, following another fellow SEC young player Justus Boone, who came to the Badgers via Arkansas.