The John Blackwell news hit like a ton of bricks to the head, even if most Wisconsin fans have been expecting it. There have been rumors swirling for months now that Blackwell was going to test the portal and the NBA at the same time. It doesn't make it any easier to stomach or any more fun to digest.
Wisconsin fans are experiencing the full flood of emotions. Many are taking it on the chin with a "Welp, it is what it is," or a "We saw that coming." Knowing that the system of college basketball is a one-year contract model that allows stars to seek bigger contracts every offseason. It's a very fatalistic approach to the departure, but it's the nature of the sport now.
Unfortunate that some will perhaps fairly question Blackwell's loyalty to a coach that gave him a chance when most did not, but in today's world, 3 years of loyalty is perhaps more than we should ever expect. Business is business...as sad as that is for many of us to accept.
— Badgermaniac (@THEbadgermaniac) April 6, 2026
John Blackwell will command top dollar on the open college basketball market
Blackwell has proven he's an elite scorer and player, averaging 19.1 points per game this past season. He is going to be one of the top available guards in the portal, if not the very top of the pile. However, Wisconsin fans are hoping that his departure doesn't land him in the Big Ten. Go chase the money elsewhere and stay far away from Madison. Nothing would be worse than having to see Blackwell multiple times next year.
However, two of the most likely destinations seem to be in the Big Ten with Michigan State and Illinois (Kentucky being the final). Everyone knows how much Tom Izzo loves Blackwell; he's made that clear over and over this season. Illinois is where Blackwell's dad played, and of course, Kentucky is going to offer top dollar.
All the Illinois folks better pony up some cash to beat the offer Kentucky gave him halfway through the year.
— Más Shwa (@JoRy_MaMa) April 6, 2026
If John Blackwell transfers to another Big Ten school all respect for him and his Wisconsin legacy are gone. Chase your money, but do it away from Wisconsin, who gave you the ability to be in the position you’re in today
— Abner Casanova (@abnercasanova1) April 6, 2026
John Blackwell's departure leaves a big hole in the Wisconsin roster
While Wisconsin fans are frustrated, sad, upset, and a bunch of other emotions. The prevailing feeling is loss. Blackwell has been a bit of a staple for Wisconsin for three straight seasons. He's only ever been a Badger, and now fans will be watching him suit up in another uniform. It's a brutal blow.
I am sad. https://t.co/gygYwIkSzJ
— World Of College Basketball (@WorldofCollege1) April 6, 2026
🫠pic.twitter.com/peUOj7Ve9y
— Abner Casanova (@abnercasanova1) April 6, 2026
— Ryan (@BrewPack8) April 6, 2026
After all is said and done, Greg Gard will be looking to the portal to replace a player who often rose to the top to give Wisconsin the win. It's hard to watch this happen, but it's the day and age we live in now. Until college basketball is no longer a sport full of 1-year mercenaries, this is the way of things. Good for Blackwell for making it three years, and we wish he had made it all four, but it is what it is. Fatalistic as it feels.