Tanner Koziol, a transfer TE for the Badgers, might be named an All-American in 2025.

Tanner Koziol: The Transfer Tight End Who Might Be Named an All-American in 2025

The Wisconsin Badgers football program has long been a respected powerhouse in the Big Ten, with its emphasis on a strong running game, tough defense, and the development of well-rounded athletes who excel in all facets of the game. Over the years, Wisconsin has built a strong tradition of player development, with numerous athletes rising through the ranks of the program to become major stars at the collegiate and even professional levels. As Wisconsin’s offense continues to evolve, a new player is beginning to make waves within the program—transfer tight end Tanner Koziol, who is quickly gaining recognition as a potential future All-American.

Koziol, a transfer from another university, represents the kind of high-caliber talent that the Badgers are known to attract. With his impressive physical tools, skill set, and the potential to impact Wisconsin’s offense immediately, Koziol has emerged as one of the most intriguing newcomers for the 2025 season. Though his journey to the Badgers has been less conventional, it’s clear that Koziol possesses the talent and work ethic to become a key figure in the Wisconsin offense. In fact, many experts are already suggesting that the 2025 season could see him earn All-American honors, a rare feat for a transfer player.

This article will explore Koziol’s background, why he has become such a highly anticipated addition to Wisconsin’s roster, what sets him apart from other tight ends in the country, and whether or not he could indeed make the jump to All-American status in just his first season with the Badgers.

A Newcomer with a Strong Background: Tanner Koziol’s Path to Wisconsin

Tanner Koziol’s journey to the University of Wisconsin is a testament to both his determination and the growing trend of transfers in college football. The NCAA transfer portal has become a major player in shaping the college football landscape, allowing athletes to seek better opportunities at other schools. For Koziol, this move is one that has the potential to redefine his college career. Originally starting his football career at another university, Koziol showed promise from the outset.

As a high school recruit, Koziol was recognized for his combination of size, athleticism, and strong hands. His high school career earned him recognition as one of the top tight ends in his recruiting class, attracting the attention of several programs. After committing to his initial university, Koziol made an immediate impact in his first few seasons. He was known for his solid blocking ability and reliable receiving skills, making him a well-rounded tight end capable of contributing both in the passing game and as an inline blocker. However, as is often the case with transfers, Koziol eventually sought a new opportunity—one that would allow him to elevate his game to new heights.

Upon transferring to Wisconsin, Koziol joined a program that is renowned for its strong offensive line play and historically successful running game. While the Badgers have not always been known for a dynamic passing attack, they have consistently fielded talented tight ends who can be effective both as blockers and pass-catchers. Wisconsin’s offense is built around its ability to create mismatches, using tight ends in various ways to exploit defensive schemes. This made Wisconsin a perfect fit for Koziol, who had demonstrated the ability to be a dual-threat tight end—both a reliable receiving target and a force in the run game.

Why Tanner Koziol Stands Out

As a tight end, Koziol’s physical attributes immediately set him apart from many other players at his position. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 250 pounds, Koziol has the ideal frame to be a dominant force on the field. He combines size with impressive athleticism, allowing him to run crisp routes, challenge defenders in the open field, and be a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators. His large frame, paired with strong hands and a keen ability to make plays after the catch, makes him a valuable weapon in both the short and intermediate passing game.

Koziol’s blocking ability is another standout aspect of his game. Wisconsin has long been known for its “smash-mouth” football style, relying on strong offensive linemen and tight ends to open up holes for the running back and protect the quarterback in passing situations. Koziol’s experience as a blocker fits perfectly within Wisconsin’s system, allowing him to contribute to both the running and passing games. Whether it’s sealing the edge on outside runs or chipping defenders to allow the quarterback more time to throw, Koziol’s blocking skills should make him an integral part of Wisconsin’s offense in 2025.

Another key strength of Koziol’s game is his football IQ. Tight ends are often required to make quick decisions and adapt to changing situations on the field, and Koziol’s ability to read defenses and adjust his routes accordingly is impressive. His understanding of the game allows him to be a reliable target for quarterbacks, particularly in high-pressure situations where split-second decisions can make all the difference.

The Wisconsin Offense: A Perfect Fit for Koziol

While Koziol has the individual talent to thrive at any school, Wisconsin’s offensive system is uniquely suited to highlight his strengths. As previously mentioned, Wisconsin’s offense is built on physicality and a balanced attack that emphasizes the running game. The Badgers have long been known for their ability to churn out 1,000-yard rushers, thanks to their powerful offensive line play and the ability of tight ends to create space for the running backs.

The tight end position at Wisconsin has a storied history. Players like Travis Beckum, Lance Kendricks, and more recently Jake Ferguson have each left their mark on the program by excelling as dual-threat tight ends. The ability to block effectively in the run game, while also being a legitimate receiving threat, is something that has always been in high demand in Wisconsin’s offensive system.

For Koziol, this provides the perfect platform to showcase his skills. The tight end position is often utilized in both traditional and play-action formations, allowing him to work the middle of the field, exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and even be a red zone threat. With his combination of size and speed, Koziol will have the opportunity to be a major weapon in the passing game, especially when defenses are focused on stopping Wisconsin’s potent rushing attack.

Furthermore, Wisconsin’s quarterback situation is expected to be stable in 2025, with a promising signal caller under center. This stability in the passing game will allow Koziol to build a strong rapport with his quarterback and develop into one of the go-to targets in key moments. Wisconsin’s ability to run the ball effectively will only open up more opportunities for Koziol to exploit defenses with play-action passes and other creative offensive schemes.

All-American Potential in 2025: Can Koziol Reach the Next Level?

Earning All-American honors is a significant accomplishment for any college football player. The competition for these accolades is fierce, and players who receive this distinction are typically among the best at their position in the country. For Koziol, making an immediate impact in his first year with the Badgers and earning All-American honors would be a monumental achievement. But what makes him a legitimate candidate?

1. Elite Physical Tools: Koziol’s size and athleticism make him a natural fit for an All-American-caliber player. His ability to stretch the field and challenge defenders in the passing game, coupled with his prowess as a blocker, makes him a versatile weapon that defenses will have to account for on every snap. The combination of his size, speed, and hands gives him the tools to make an immediate impact on Wisconsin’s offense.
2. System Fit and Opportunity: Wisconsin’s offensive system is perfectly designed to highlight a player like Koziol. With the Badgers’ traditional emphasis on the running game, Koziol will have ample opportunities to operate as a mismatch for defenses, especially on play-action passes. If Koziol can become a trusted target in the red zone and across the middle of the field, he will accumulate the kind of statistics that make an All-American tight end.
3. Strong Offensive Line and Quarterback Play: The success of Wisconsin’s offense in 2025 will depend heavily on the play of the offensive line and quarterback. If the Badgers are able to control the line of scrimmage and maintain a balanced offense, Koziol will benefit from increased opportunities in the passing game. The development of a solid quarterback who can distribute the ball effectively to Koziol will be crucial in his ability to put up impressive numbers.
4. National Recognition: Tight ends often don’t receive the same level of national recognition as players at other positions, such as running backs or wide receivers. However, Wisconsin has a track record of producing standout tight ends who have garnered All-American attention. If Koziol can put together a dominant season, with impressive statistics and key contributions to Wisconsin’s success, he could very well earn recognition on a national level.
5. Potential for Big Moments: Koziol’s potential to rise to the occasion in big games cannot be underestimated. Whether it’s a crucial Big Ten matchup or a major bowl game, tight ends often shine in critical moments. If Koziol can prove to be a difference-maker in Wisconsin’s most important contests, his candidacy for All-American status will only grow stronger.