The Badgers got a major transfer portal receiver to bolster their room for 2025.
The Wisconsin Badgers have received a commitment from former Ohio State Buckeyes four-star receiver Jayden Ballard, marking the first wideout to join the program via the transfer portal this offseason.
Ballard, a top-50 recruit in the Class of 2021, was a heralded prospect coming out of high school, but never got the consistent playing time he was seeking at Ohio State.
He finishes his Ohio State career with just 11 catches for 177 yards over the past three seasons, but gives the Badgers a bigger-bodied option on the boundary at 6’2, 195 pounds.
Having one year of eligibility left, Ballard fills a major void for Wisconsin, as they were already in need of more receiver help before losing top wideouts Will Pauling and C.J. Williams to the transfer portal on Tuesday.
Now, Ballard could be a top option on the perimeter alongside mainstay Vinny Anthony, who led the team with 39 catches for 672 yards this past season.
The Badgers are still looking for receiver help, having set up a visit for Idaho transfer receiver Mark Hamper, but they get a major pickup here on Wednesday with Ballard committing to the program.
Currently, Wisconsin’s top projected receivers for the 2025 season are Anthony, Ballard, redshirt freshman Trech Kekahuna, former Boston College transfer Joe Griffin, and Quincy Burroughs.