In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech firing of Brent Pry, the transfer portal opened for Hokies players to find a new school immediately. One of those players, Dante Lovett, who's one of the best defensive backs on the roster, has decided to jump in the portal and find a new home. Luke Fickell and Wisconsin are pouncing and trying to get him to Madison.
Lovett is a 6'0, 200 lb junior cornerback with 36 career tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception. He's one of the starting cornerbacks for the Hokies and would be a big grab for any team. Wisconsin is hoping to shore up some of the passing woes they have with Lovett, though there's a catch.
Virginia Tech transfer cornerback Dante Lovett (@dante_lovett) has heard from over 25 schools since entering the portal, his agent @BNM_777k tells @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) September 17, 2025
Schools in contact are Colorado, Florida State, Nebraska and Wisconsin, among others.
Intel: https://t.co/gOvSbzMgnz pic.twitter.com/gVTdqEULBU
If Dante Lovett transfers, can he play for Wisconsin immediately?
Related: Luke Fickell backpedals over idea of having No. 1 run defense being bad for Wisconsin
The NCAA prohibits a player from playing for two different schools during the same football season. So, while Lovett would be a big grab for Luke Fickell, it would be for next season, not this one. He's already started and played in every game this season for the Hokies, recording three tackles.
There's hope that Wisconsin can grab a player of Lovett's caliber, but it wouldn't help immediately, which is too bad. The Badgers need help in the passing game right now. They have one of the best run defenses in the country, but two different teams have now found tremendous success in the passing game. Alabama shredded the Badgers for 382 yards. Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson had a field day.
That being said, what are the chances Lovett considers Wisconsin? Well, it's hard to know, as Wisconsin is one of about 25 schools in contact with him, but since Nakos mentioned the Badgers along with Nebraska, Colorado, and Florida State, it seems as if those may be higher on Lovett's list.
It will be a story to watch and would immediately help the team for next season.