Luke Fickell has reloaded his team for a potentially breakout season in 2026. The transfer class this offseason for the Wisconsin Badgers is easily the best (on paper) transfer class since Luke Fickell arrived. The schedule also sets up well for the Badgers to actually have a winning season. Yet, it's the better roster that actually gives the most amount of hope for Wisconsin fans.
Let's rank the top transfers this offseason and what sort of impact they will have for Wisconsin. The Badgers have a lot of great transfers (on paper), and it was hard to limit it to just five. You could argue PJ Wilkins, Blake Cherry, Justus Boone, Zion Kearney, or a handful of others. After the season, this list could be vastly different, but here are the five after the spring portal.
5. Abu Sama III - Running back
While it's debated that Sama should be on this list, as the running back room is so deep that Wisconsin can be great at the position with or without Sama. However, Sama is electric and will be the top back. He will help carry this team back to its roots and into the future.
4. Jayden Loftin - Edge
Getting to the quarterback is part of what makes Mike Tressel's defense successful. Last year, the addition was Mason Reiger from Louisville. This year, it could be Justus Boone, but the house money is on Jayden Loftin from Tennessee. He was a former 4-star recruit who is simply waiting for his opportunity. He will get that and more in Wisconsin.
3. Austin Kawecki - Center
Wisconsin had a terrible time at the center position last season. An argument could be made that this position alone cost the Badgers games last season. Luke Fickell went out and added a starting center that can anchor the line and help gel the whole unit. Kawecki from Oklahoma State is a solid center who will help both in run block and pass protection.
2. Marvin Burks Jr. - Safety
Burks was one of the star transfers that Luke Fickell brought in. Burks was considered a 4-star transfer from Missouri and was one of the best defensive players in the SEC last season, especially at the safety position. Now, when the Wisconsin Badgers don't really have a plan at safety, they went out and brought in the star they needed.
1. Colton Joseph - Quarterback
How could this list not include the star quarterback from Old Dominion? Especially after the last few years watching Wisconsin. Adding a high-powered quarterback that can both sling the ball and run for yardage is a must. A good season from Joseph will propel the Badgers to greater heights, but a bad season and things could unravel again.
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