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USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Destinations for Wisconsin football's spring transfer portal window departures
Destinations for Wisconsin football's spring transfer portal window departures The book on Wisconsin football's 2025 spring transfer window closed late last week, with the final unsigned departure, wide receiver Quincy Burroughs, announcing his destination. Wisconsin signed five transfers during the period. Missouri State tight end Lance Mason and offensive lineman Davis Heinzen headline that group, with each projecting to fill a key role in the team's offensive two-deep. Their additions were each direct responses to roster losses during the spring, as starting tight end Tanner Koziol reentered the portal and starting left tackle Kevin Heywood suffered a season-ending ACL injury. That five-player group adds to Wisconsin's impressive winter transfer haul. The program's overall 2025 transfer class, which ranks No. 14 nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten, will be key to the team showing progress in year three under Luke Fickell. Meanwhile, the Badgers also saw six players depart via the portal during the spring window. With Burroughs now signed, here is a final look at where each ended up: Destinations for every Wisconsin football spring transfer Hamper and Koziol's departures are the most notable of the six, as each had joined the program during the winter transfer window and projected to fill a major role in the two-deep. Wisconsin took little time before replacing the two, adding Mason and Hawaii WR Dekel Crowdus during the spring window. Jensen will be a transfer departure to watch. He was Wisconsin's top in-state commit in the 2024 class and is headed to a strong program in Iowa State. Former Badger lineman Dylan Barrett has found success in making that same transfer move. Otherwise, Wisconsin did not see much notable spring transfer movement. Most of the program's significant departures and additions occurred during the winter period. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wisconsin football reportedly beat an SEC power for top FCS transfer tight end Lance Mason
Wisconsin football notched a significant recruiting win on Friday, landing Missouri State transfer tight end Lance Mason. Mason is a major addition at this late stage in the transfer process. He's fresh off a breakout 2024 campaign that included 34 catches, 590 receiving yards, 17.4 yards per reception and six touchdowns. That yardage total was the most for any tight end at the Football Championship Subdivision level, a standing supported by ProFootballFocus listing him as the league's top receiving threat at the position. Advertisement The rising senior projects to start at tight end for the Badgers in 2025, filling a vacancy created when winter transfer addition Tanner Koziol left for Houston. In addition to Mason's projected impact, the circumstances surrounding his commitment make it even more notable. The Badgers hosted the tight end on a visit on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, those dates immediately following his trip to Norman, Oklahoma. According to Rivals' Parker Thune, he was the Oklahoma Sooners' top transfer target at the position. Instead, Mason pledged to the Badgers. Thune's language is notable, saying the Badgers 'stole one from OU.' Advertisement The recruiting win continues Wisconsin's impressive offseason of transfer movement. The team rebuilt its quarterback room and defensive front seven during the winter transfer window with commitments from numerous highly touted prospects. While Mason joins the Badgers as only the No. 835 overall player in the portal and No. 42 tight end, Wisconsin beating a top SEC power for his commitment is major news. This recruiting win should be highlighted if, and likely when, he plays an integral role in the Badgers' offensive success in 2025. New coordinator Jeff Grimes' scheme should highlight the position and give the former Missouri State Tiger plenty of opportunity to excel. For more on Wisconsin's incoming and outgoing spring transfer movement, check out our 2025 spring window tracker. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football transfer portal Lance Mason commitment vs Oklahoma
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wisconsin football 2025 spring transfer portal window departure, commitment tracker
The spring transfer portal window officially opened on April 16. Wisconsin is sure to be active as it makes a final push to bolster its roster entering the 2025 season. Most notably, the Badgers enter the period with significant needs on the offensive side of the football. While the team seemingly aced the winter portal window, just in the last few days it lost starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to a torn ACL, and starting tight end Tanner Koziol and top depth wide receiver Mark Hamper to the portal. Advertisement Both Koziol and Hamper were headliners of Wisconsin's winter transfer class. As is the case in the current era of college football, winter commitments are nowhere close to guaranteed to be on the roster in Week 1. With those departures and Heywood's long-term injury, the Badgers would do well to find a fill-in at left tackle and a dynamic starting tight end. Replacing those projected starters may be easier said than done, however, as the two projected to be among the offensive unit's top three or four players. The spring portal window will remain open until April 25. Players have until that date to enter, while those in the portal have unlimited time to commit to a new program. As the window continues, here is an up-to-date tracker on all of Wisconsin's incoming and outgoing movement: (Last update: May 7, 8:08 a.m. ET) IN: Offensive lineman Davis Heinzen Heinzen joins the Badgers with a ton of college experience -- 36 starts over the last three years, most of which came at left tackle. He projects to battle for the Badgers' starting left tackle job in fall camp, along with Joe Brunner, Leyton Nelson and Emerson Mandell. If he's the Badgers' Week 1 starter at the position, this quickly becomes the team's most important addition of the spring window. Advertisement Here's more on Heinzen's commitment. IN: Tight end Lance Mason Missouri State Bears tight end Lance Mason (85) scores the game winning touchdown on the Youngstown State Penguins at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Mason fills the vacancy left by Tanner Koziol, who transferred to Houston during the spring window. The Missouri State transfer tallied 34 catches, 590 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024, finishing as one of the top tight ends at the FCS level. Wisconsin reportedly beat out Cal and Oklahoma for his commitment. Here's more on Mason's commitment. OUT: Cornerback Jay Harper Harper joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit in the class of 2024. He redshirted as a true freshman, then again projected as a depth option entering 2025. He enters the portal with four years of eligibility remaining. Wisconsin's cornerback room, a focus of each of Luke Fickell's first few recruiting cycles, will look almost entirely different in 2025, aside from starters Ricardo Hallman and Nyzier Fourqurean. Advertisement Here's more on Harper's departure. OUT: Long-snapper Eli Stein Sep 3, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) is tackled by Arkansas Razorback long snapper Eli Stein (48) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports Stein joined the Badgers during the winter transfer window and was projected to claim the starting long-snapper job. Wisconsin recently added Purdue transfer LS Nick Levy, however, which pointed to a change of plan at the position. Stein's departure is a corresponding move. UPDATE: Stein signed with Cincinnati IN: Purdue long snapper Nick Levy Purdue Boilermakers long snapper Nick Levy (44) points down field Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during Purdue football practice at Kozuch Football Performance Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. Levy is Wisconsin's second long-snapper commitment of the offseason, following Arkansas transfer Eli Stein. The two will likely battle for the starting job through the rest of spring practice and fall camp. Levy is also Wisconsin's second spring transfer commitment, following Southern Illinois quarterback Hunter Simmons. Advertisement Here's more on Levy's addition. OUT: Offensive lineman Derek Jensen Arrowhead tackle Derek Jensen pass protects against Muskego's Liam Shaw on Friday Sept. 29, 2023 at Arrowhead High School in Town of Merton, Wisconsin. Jensen joined the program as a three-star recruit in the class of 2024. He redshirted as a true freshman and now enters the portal with four years of eligibility remaining. Most notably, his departure means that the Badgers now do not have an in-state player from the class of 2024. UPDATE: Jensen signed with Iowa State IN: Southern Illinois quarterback Hunter Simmons Simmons joins the Badgers as a graduate transfer with limited starting experience. The quarterback saw action in five games in 2024, three of which were starts, before he suffered a season-ending injury. The veteran figures to add depth to the team's quarterback room, one that has dealt with significant injury in each of the last two seasons. He's the team's third transfer quarterback addition of the offseason, following Billy Edwards and Danny O'Neil. Advertisement Here's more on Simmons' commitment. OUT: Wide receiver Quincy Burroughs Wisconsin receiver Quincy Burroughs makes a sideline catch during the team's 14th spring practice, which was held Tuesday morning April 30, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK Burroughs was one of Wisconsin's first transfer additions of the Luke Fickell era back in 2023, as he followed the head coach from Cincinnati. The veteran played sparingly during his two years with the program, totaling just five catches, 43 receiving yards and five special teams tackles. He was again projected as a depth option at wide receiver entering 2025, with significant talent and competition ahead of him in the room. Here is more on Burroughs' departure. OUT: Wide receiver Mark Hamper Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher brings down Idaho Vandals wide receiver Mark Hamper as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard-USA TODAY NETWORK Hamper joined Wisconsin this winter with significant fanfare. The rising sophomore was a Freshman All-American at the Football Championship Subdivision level in 2024, totaling 48 catches, 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Fellow winter transfer wide receiver Jayden Ballard has reportedly been a spring session standout, meaning Hamper was likely to enter the season as a primary depth option. That may have instigated his transfer decision. Advertisement UPDATE: Hamper signed with Cal OUT: Tight end Tanner Koziol Oct 19, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Ball State Cardinals tight end Tanner Koziol (88) makes a catch against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Koziol transferred in this winter after several standout seasons at Ball State, including a 94-catch, 839-yard, 8-touchdown 2024 campaign. He projected to be one of Wisconsin's top receiving threats as new coordinator Jeff Grimes transitioned the program back to a pro-style offense. After just four months with the program, Koziol is off to a new destination. Tucker Ashcraft is the next up at tight end. The position should rise near the top of Wisconsin's transfer pursuits, as Ashcraft has just 20 total catches, 168 yards and two touchdowns over the last two seasons. Due to the lack of a top-end backup option, Koziol was one player Wisconsin couldn't afford to lose. Advertisement UPDATE (April 18): Koziol committed to Houston. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football spring transfer portal window tracker
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin updated 2025 offensive depth chart with transfer tight end Lance Mason
Wisconsin updated 2025 offensive depth chart with transfer tight end Lance Mason Wisconsin football made a notable addition to its offensive depth chart on Friday, landing Missouri State transfer tight end Lance Mason. Mason joins the program with a final year of eligibility remaining. He is set to fill the vacant starting tight end role. Ball State transfer Tanner Koziol previously held that position after joining the program during the winter window, although he recently reentered the portal and committed to Houston. The Badgers notably edged the Oklahoma Sooners for Mason's commitment. The rising senior was one of the portal's top uncommitted players at his position, following a breakout 2024 campaign that included a Football Championship Subdivision-leading 590 receiving yards, 17.4 yards per reception and six touchdowns. While translating FCS production to the Big Ten level is never a guarantee, it's easy to project Mason to have a sizable impact in new coordinator Jeff Grimes' unit. The 6-foot-4 tight end should give the program the receiving threat at the position that it's lacked since Jake Ferguson left for the NFL. For more on how the Badgers' offense lines up after Mason's commitment, here is an updated projection of the unit's two-deep: Quarterback Starter: Billy Edwards Jr. (transfer) Backup: Danny O'Neil (transfer) 'Transfer' is a major word to note at the quarterback position. Wisconsin completely remade its QB room this offseason, landing a veteran in Edwards, a rising sophomore in O'Neil, FCS transfer Hunter Simmons and top high school prospect Carter Smith. Edwards is the clear starter after a strong 2024 season at Maryland. Hopefully, the Badgers don't need to utilize their newfound depth at the position. Running Back Starters: Cade Yacamelli OR Darrion Dupree Backup: Dilin Jones Wisconsin has three primary candidates to lead its backfield in 2025. Yacamelli is a popular breakout pick after averaging 8.3 yards per carry in limited action last season. Rising sophomore Dupree should also see increased production with a larger workload. The room's wild card is Jones, who is emerging as a major factor as only a redshirt freshman. Wide Receiver (1) Starter: Vinny Anthony Backup: Chris Brooks Jr. Anthony will look to build upon his breakout 2024 campaign, during which he led the team in receiving with 672 yards and four scores. Brooks is a player to watch at the position after playing a depth role for each of the last three seasons. Wide Receiver (2) Starter: Jayden Ballard Backup: Joseph Griffin Jr. OR Tyrell Henry Ballard was a major spring standout after transferring to Wisconsin from Ohio State this winter. Griffin and Henry will each get a chance to win snaps after transferring in from Boston College and Michigan State, respectively, last offseason. Griffin, a 6-foot-4 red-zone threat, is a player to watch after being ruled ineligible last season. Wide Receiver (slot) Starter: Trech Kekahuna Backup: Kyan Berry-Johnson Kekahuna's return from the portal was major news for the 2025 Badgers. He has excelled when given an opportunity to play, although those chances were limited last season with Will Pauling starting in the slot. He should be a popular breakout pick entering the season. Tight End Starter: Lance Mason (transfer) Backup: Tucker Ashcraft Mason is a write-in at starting tight end after a fantastic 2024 season at Missouri State. None should be surprised if he becomes the first Badger tight end to surpass 150 receiving yards since Ferguson did so for four straight seasons from 2018-21. Ashcraft should also play significant snaps in Grimes' multi-tight-end scheme. Right Tackle Starter: Riley Mahlman Backup: Barrett Nelson From our updated offensive line depth chart after left tackle Kevin Heywood's injury: Mahlman is set to anchor the right side of the Badgers' offensive line for the third consecutive season. He could be a candidate to flip to the left side, though that would be a risky move, given his proven ability and production in his current position. It goes without saying that the team cannot afford an injury in this position, given Heywood's status. Right Guard Starter: Kerry Kodanko Backup: J.P. Benzschawel From our updated offensive line depth chart: Wisconsin's right guard position will be a fall camp battle to watch. J.P. Benzschawel was the projected starter through much of the offseason, though Kodanko has reportedly been earning significant reps in spring practice. Emerson Mandell also worked at this position, though he may move out to left tackle after Heywood's injury. Center Starter: Jake Renfro Backup: Ryan Cory From our updated offensive line depth chart: Renfro returns after starting 12 games for the Badgers last season. The veteran also has a season of high-end experience at Cincinnati under Luke Fickell. While there are some questions across the line, the center position should be set. Left Guard Starter: Joe Brunner Backup: Colin Cubberly From our updated offensive line depth chart: Brunner started all 12 games at left guard in 2024. While he battled minor injuries throughout the campaign, he was part of a starting offensive line unit that remained intact all season. Per UW Athletics, his 77.8 PFF pass-blocking grade was the third-highest among Big Ten guards. He projects as one of the team's best linemen entering 2025 Of note, Brunner spent some time at left tackle during spring practice. He remains a candidate to fill that vacancy. Left Tackle Starter: Leyton Nelson Backup: Emerson Mandell From our updated offensive line depth chart: Nelson transferred in last offseason after two seasons at Vanderbilt, during which he appeared in 12 total games. He then missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury. The veteran was projected as a versatile depth piece on the 2025 line. Now, he has the inside track at starting These positions are still subject to change with spring transfer additions. Left tackle is the primary position to watch, although the available starting options in the portal are extremely limited at this late stage in the cycle. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin football reportedly beat an SEC power for top FCS transfer tight end Lance Mason
Wisconsin football reportedly beat an SEC power for top FCS transfer tight end Lance Mason Wisconsin football notched a significant recruiting win on Friday, landing Missouri State transfer tight end Lance Mason. Mason is a major addition at this late stage in the transfer process. He's fresh off a breakout 2024 campaign that included 34 catches, 590 receiving yards, 17.4 yards per reception and six touchdowns. That yardage total was the most for any tight end at the Football Championship Subdivision level, a standing supported by ProFootballFocus listing him as the league's top receiving threat at the position. The rising senior projects to start at tight end for the Badgers in 2025, filling a vacancy created when winter transfer addition Tanner Koziol left for Houston. In addition to Mason's projected impact, the circumstances surrounding his commitment make it even more notable. The Badgers hosted the tight end on a visit on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, those dates immediately following his trip to Norman, Oklahoma. According to Rivals' Parker Thune, he was the Oklahoma Sooners' top transfer target at the position. Instead, Mason pledged to the Badgers. Thune's language is notable, saying the Badgers 'stole one from OU.' The recruiting win continues Wisconsin's impressive offseason of transfer movement. The team rebuilt its quarterback room and defensive front seven during the winter transfer window with commitments from numerous highly touted prospects. While Mason joins the Badgers as only the No. 835 overall player in the portal and No. 42 tight end, Wisconsin beating a top SEC power for his commitment is major news. This recruiting win should be highlighted if, and likely when, he plays an integral role in the Badgers' offensive success in 2025. New coordinator Jeff Grimes' scheme should highlight the position and give the former Missouri State Tiger plenty of opportunity to excel. For more on Wisconsin's incoming and outgoing spring transfer movement, check out our 2025 spring window tracker. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
