All the talk after spring practice on Wednesday, April 23 was about Jayden Ballard who lit up the scrimmage part of the practice with three long touchdowns. Ballard is a transfer from Ohio State who came to the Badgers this offseason after struggling to secure a spot in the Buckeyes' receiver rotation. He's now given a new opportunity and he plans to take advantage of it. Today's a great example of how high his ceiling is, even as a senior.
Have yourself a day, Jayden Ballard.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) April 23, 2025
Ohio State transfer wide receiver had three long touchdown receptions today.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/5u5CY2JGDY
Jayden Ballard shines at spring practice with three touchdowns during scrimmage
Jayden Ballard was one of the top wide receivers in his 2021 recruiting class. He was a 4-star prospect from Ohio, listed as the fourth-best receiver in his class and the third-best in Ohio. 24/7 recruiting analyst Allen Trieu said this about him while he was still in high school, "Can get down the field and take the top off a defense. Shows fluidity in his route running. Currently more of a deep ball threat than one who will make a ton of plays after the catch. Has to get stronger and keep working through the route tree, but a very talented athlete who can be a No. 1 receiver in college."
Ballard played the most during his sophomore year, catching 8 passes for 155 yards and 1 touchdown. Scoring that lone touchdown on a 72 yard scamper. Taking the top off the defense as Trieu predicted. Last season, during his redshirt junior year, he had only two catches for 18 yards, and it was then that he realized he needed a new opportunity.
Wisconsin came calling looking for a deep ball threat just like Ballard and hoping to get him going and allow him to stretch defenses. He did exactly that in spring practice yesterday with multiple huge touchdowns, taking the top off the defense. If this becomes a thing for the Badgers, it will be amazing to watch.