Wisconsin has had 23 players enter the portal so far, and have actually already convinced two of them to stay. Both Eugene Hilton Jr. and Charles Perkins withdrew their names from the transfer portal and returned to the Badgers. Could more be on the horizon?
Of the players who entered the portal for Wisconsin, just three of them have yet to find a new home. Running back Cade Yacamelli, edge Ernest Willor Jr. and wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr. are still on the hunt for new teams. There's still plenty of time for them to land with a new program, but as time goes on, what is the likelihood that any of them end up back with the Badgers?
RB Cade Yacamelli
We'll start with Yacamelli, who has been with the Badgers for the past four seasons. While he hasn't been able to break into a role better than RB3, he's been a reliable pass blocker and a solid third-down back for Wisconsin. Given his skillset, his best move to get more playing time is probably down to a mid-major. He averaged just 3.4 yards per carry this past season, but he still has deep-ties to the Badgers after four years. While it would still be a surprise, he's probably the most likely of the three to make a return to Madison.
Edge Ernest Willor Jr.
Willor Jr. was a four-star recruit for the Badgers but never found much playing time in two seasons. He hasn't registered any tackles or sacks, and will surely be buried on the depth chart once again in 2026 after Wisconsin brought in multiple new edge rushers in the portal. Willor still has some high-upside that made him a top-120 recruit, but it won't be shown at Wisconsin. He's moving on.
WR Joseph Griffin Jr.
Griffin was another four-star recruit and a transfer from Boston College. He didn't see any action in 2024 when he sat out for NCAA transfer regulations, and had just one catch for five yards in 2025. Much like Willor, he just doesn't really have a path to a bigger role in 2026 after the Badgers added three receivers in the portal, and it would be surprising to see him back in Madison this year.