ESPN ranks now-former Wisconsin tight end among best players in spring transfer window

USA Today

18-04-2025

ESPN ranks now-former Wisconsin tight end among best players in spring transfer window
Wisconsin transfer tight end Tanner Koziol landed at No. 13 in ESPN's latest ranking of the best players in the spring transfer portal window on Thursday.
Koziol officially entered the spring transfer portal window on Wednesday after just four months with the Badgers program. He then committed to the Houston Cougars less than 48 hours after entering.
Here's what scout ESPN Billy Tucker had to say about Koziol's place in ESPN's ranking:
"Koziol has a huge frame with a well-rounded skill set that could make him extremely coveted yet again. He's a productive pass catcher who takes advantage of his size to shield smaller defenders on jump balls. He's a really good high pointer and that combination of height, hands and leaping ability make him a matchup nightmare. Koziol is also a really effective blocker with strong inside hand placement and finishing power to drive back defenders."
The analysis certainly checks out. The La Grange Park, Illinois, was 247Sports' No. 4-ranked uncommitted transfer prospect before his pledge to Houston, plus the top at his position. Overall, he's slotted as the No. 71-ranked transfer of the combined 2024-25 cycle.
As a junior at Ball State, Koziol snagged 94 passes, the fourth-most by any Football Bowl Subdivision player, for 839 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. As a sophomore, he notched 34 receptions for 295 receiving yards and three scores, indicative of a stark improvement in his capacity as a receiving weapon.
In three total seasons with Ball State, Koziol recorded 163 total receptions, 1,507 yards and 18 scores in 36 games. To put his talent into perspective, ProFootballFocus ranked the now-former Badger as the top returning tight end in the nation.
There's no denying Koziol's talent at tight end, and his departure was certainly significant for Wisconsin's 2025 offensive unit. Barring any transfer acquisitions, junior Tucker Ashcraft is positioned to suit up as the team's projected starter at tight end. He has limited production in two seasons in the primary starting role.
Wide receivers Jayden Ballard, Trech Kekahuna and Vinny Anthony are also projected to receive a larger share of offensive targets without Koziol in the lineup.
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