The latest rumors out of the transfer portal are that Wisconsin may have an upper leg in retaining Eugene Hilton Jr. The true sophomore and former 4-star recruit entered the portal when it opened on January 2nd, but Wisconsin hasn't given up on bringing him back to Madison. He's been part of their plans for the future since he came, but the rotating group of lackluster quarterbacks last season made it hard for receivers to get much work.
Much less a true freshman, no matter how explosive he was. However, On3's Steve Wiltfong is reporting that Wisconsin "is trending" to keep Hilton, which would be a major recruiting win for the Badgers. The reality is, they have more to pitch to Hilton than when he entered on the 2nd. Their recruiting pitch now can include a top-tier quarterback, an expanded role, and more money.
Wisconsin is trending to keep their prized true freshman WR Eugene Hilton Jr. on the roster. More on that here: https://t.co/Oa86dDoWiI
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) January 8, 2026
Wisconsin may end up keeping Eugene Hilton Jr. from transferring to another school
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As a true freshman, Hilton had 8 receptions for 91 yards. He was actually fifth in receiving yards among wide receivers, and he would be the second-highest returning receiver for Wisconsin if he did come back. So it's not that he wasn't capable, it was more what was happening with the offense as a whole.
Now the Badgers have a brand new quarterback who threw for over 2,600 yards last season and knows how to get his receivers the ball and let them make plays. Wisconsin is assuredly using Joseph as a pitch to Hilton.
They can also pitch him as one of their best weapons as a sophomore. While they've added two other receivers in the portal, Shamar Rigby from Oklahoma State and Jaylon Domingeaux from FCS Southeast Louisiana, Hilton is still the best of the bunch. If he's looking for an opportunity, he doesn't have to leave.
Finally, and clearly, Wisconsin is willing to invest in their players this season. Now, they can put some of that money back into a player who deserves it.