Tracking Wisconsin basketball’s transfer portal interests, activity, and top targets.

The NCAA transfer portal has become a significant force in shaping college basketball rosters in recent years. Programs across the country have had to adapt quickly, and the Wisconsin Badgers are no exception. Under head coach Greg Gard, Wisconsin has developed a reputation for nurturing talent, focusing on development, and building a team-oriented culture. However, as college basketball continues to evolve, the importance of recruiting from the transfer portal has grown.

For Wisconsin, balancing traditional recruiting with strategic additions from the transfer portal is crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference and on the national stage. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, Wisconsin is actively evaluating players in the transfer portal to address areas of need and bolster its chances for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

In this article, we’ll track Wisconsin’s transfer portal activity, their current interests, and identify some of the top targets that could make an immediate impact on the Badgers’ roster.

Wisconsin’s Transfer Portal Strategy

In terms of strategy, Wisconsin has approached the transfer portal methodically, unlike some programs that rely heavily on bringing in several transfer players each season. Instead, the Badgers have focused on adding depth and addressing specific areas of weakness, rather than trying to build a team primarily through transfers. Under Gard’s leadership, Wisconsin has found success by prioritizing internal development of players, with a focus on recruiting high-character athletes who fit the team’s style of play.

The Badgers’ culture of hard work, discipline, and team-first mentality often appeals to transfers who are looking for a stable and structured environment where they can continue to grow. This is evident from some of the transfer players who have joined Wisconsin in recent seasons, contributing significant minutes and leadership, such as Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn, who both made immediate impacts.

However, with the 2025-2026 season rapidly approaching, the Badgers have had to be more aggressive in their transfer portal activity. The team is looking to address a few key areas, including depth in the backcourt, adding size and versatility in the frontcourt, and finding players who can provide scoring sparks when needed. Wisconsin has also been active in targeting players with Big Ten experience, as they know the conference is one of the toughest in college basketball.

Key Areas of Need for Wisconsin

While Wisconsin’s roster has a solid core returning, there are a few areas where the team could use some improvement or additional depth. Based on team performance and existing roster gaps, the following positions are areas where the Badgers are likely focusing their transfer portal efforts:

1. Backcourt Depth
   One of the most important needs for Wisconsin is adding depth to the backcourt. While Chucky Hepburn is a proven floor general and one of the best guards in the Big Ten, Wisconsin needs another reliable option in the backcourt. The loss of Carter Gilmore, who was a key player in the rotation, leaves Wisconsin thin at guard positions. Additionally, Hepburn’s leadership on both ends of the floor has made him one of the focal points of the Badgers’ offense, but adding another dynamic ball handler and scorer would take some of the pressure off him.
2. Frontcourt Size and Versatility
   Wisconsin has traditionally been known for its rugged frontcourt play. However, in recent seasons, the team has faced challenges in terms of depth and size in the paint. While Tyler Wahl has been a key contributor at the forward position, the Badgers could benefit from adding a physical, versatile big man who can contribute both offensively and defensively. A player who can provide rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability in the paint would allow Wisconsin to play a more well-rounded game. Additionally, a versatile forward who can stretch the floor with the ability to shoot from the perimeter would add another layer to the offense, especially when paired with Wisconsin’s traditional half-court style of play.
3. Scoring Threat
   While Wisconsin has a number of skilled players, they could always use another scorer who can step up in critical moments. The Badgers have relied heavily on players like Hepburn and Wahl for scoring, but the team needs a player who can be an offensive spark plug when the going gets tough. Wisconsin has historically thrived on defense and execution, but adding a player who can consistently create their own shot and finish in isolation situations would make them a more dangerous offensive team.

Wisconsin’s Transfer Portal Activity

Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, Wisconsin has kept an eye on several key players in the transfer portal, making sure they recruit players who fit the program’s needs both on and off the court. Below are some notable players who Wisconsin has either expressed interest in or who are considered top targets.

1. Guard: Jalen Reed (Formerly of Wake Forest)

One of the most intriguing transfer portal targets for Wisconsin has been Jalen Reed, a guard who previously played at Wake Forest. Reed is a combo guard known for his scoring ability, ball-handling skills, and strong defense. During his time at Wake Forest, Reed showed flashes of brilliance as both a playmaker and a scorer, and his versatility would make him a valuable asset to Wisconsin’s backcourt.

With Reed’s ability to create his own shot and space the floor, he would provide the offensive spark that Wisconsin needs. His defensive tenacity also aligns well with the Badgers’ identity, making him an ideal candidate to contribute immediately. Reed’s experience in the ACC would also give him a level of maturity and poise that would be beneficial in the highly competitive Big Ten environment.

2. Forward: Aiden Williams (Formerly of Loyola Chicago)

Wisconsin has also shown interest in Aiden Williams, a forward who previously played for Loyola Chicago. Williams is a versatile forward who stands at 6’9″ and has the ability to play both inside and on the perimeter. His length and athleticism make him a solid defender and a capable shot-blocker, two skills that Wisconsin will value in its frontcourt.

On offense, Williams has shown potential as a scorer, especially in transition. He is an excellent rebounder and could provide the Badgers with the kind of size and physicality they need in the paint. His experience playing in a competitive conference like the MVC would allow him to adjust to the Big Ten and make an immediate impact.

3. Guard: Cameron Williams (Formerly of Colorado)

Another key player Wisconsin is reportedly looking at is Cameron Williams, a guard who previously played at Colorado. Williams is known for his scoring ability, specifically his shooting from deep range, which would be a valuable addition to Wisconsin’s offense. His ability to stretch the floor and create open opportunities for teammates would be beneficial to a team that often struggles with consistent outside shooting.

Williams also brings an element of athleticism that would complement Wisconsin’s traditional half-court offense. His playmaking ability, combined with his scoring touch, would provide Wisconsin with another dynamic backcourt player, taking some of the pressure off Chucky Hepburn.

4. Forward: Andre Jackson Jr. (Formerly of UConn)

Wisconsin is also rumored to be targeting Andre Jackson Jr., a forward who played at UConn. Jackson is known for his elite athleticism and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. As a versatile defender, Jackson would fit right into Wisconsin’s system, where defensive discipline and intensity are key pillars of success.

Offensively, Jackson is capable of driving to the basket, and his energy on the floor would give the Badgers a boost in transition and on the boards. With his combination of length, versatility, and defensive prowess, Jackson would provide Wisconsin with the kind of frontcourt depth and athleticism that could make them a more dynamic team.

Wisconsin’s Transfer Portal Recruiting Challenges

While Wisconsin has made strides in improving its transfer portal activity, the program does face some challenges when it comes to recruiting players. For one, Wisconsin’s style of play, which emphasizes physicality, defense, and team-oriented basketball, might not appeal to all transfers who are looking for high-paced, offense-heavy systems. Additionally, Wisconsin has not traditionally been a landing spot for five-star recruits, so they often have to work harder to convince transfers to buy into the Badgers’ culture.

Another challenge Wisconsin faces is the ever-increasing competition in the transfer portal. With more schools actively looking to bolster their rosters through transfers, it can be difficult to land high-quality players. As a result, Wisconsin will have to continue to be selective, making sure that the players they target not only fill specific needs but also align with the values and system that Greg Gard has worked to establish.