The Badgers are losing one of their top freshmen to the transfer portal.
The Wisconsin Badgers are losing one of their top 2024 recruits, as four-star outside linebacker Anelu Lafaele is entering the transfer portal, he announced on Wednesday.
Big one: 2024 four-star freshman OLB Anelu Lafaele is entering the transfer portal.
2nd #Badgers freshman to enter the portal.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) December 19, 2024
Lafaele, a 6’3, 220-pound edge rusher from Hawaii, had initially committed to the Badgers over finalists Arizona State, Washington, and Hawaii, marking a key addition for Wisconsin in their 2024 class.
He was one of two outside linebackers in head coach Luke Fickell’s first true recruiting class alongside four-star Thomas Heiberger, and is the second 2024 recruit to depart after just one season, joining three-star defensive end Hank Weber.
The Badgers had made a number of additions at outside linebacker last offseason, adding seniors Leon Lowery and John Pius, as well as redshirt sophomore Sebastian Cheeks, but there were snaps opening up this offseason for players at the position.
Still, Lafaele was seen more as a project with a ton of potential, as he has a quick get-off and would best be utilized in a pass-rush specialist role.
With Lafaele entering the transfer portal, the Badgers have Darryl Peterson, Aaron Witt, Cheeks, and Thomas Heiberger as the top returners at the position. Additionally, Wisconsin added Louisville transfer Mason Reiger to boost their depth, so there are ample options for 2025.
Still, losing Lafaele is a blow for the Badgers as he leaves after just one season after being a big addition to the 2024 class.