The Badgers recent addition is already earning rave reviews ahead of the 2025 season.
The Wisconsin Badgers were one of the most active teams in the transfer portal this season, as they saw over two dozen players enter the transfer portal, while bringing in nearly the same amount into the program.
Looking to improve both sides of the ball, the Badgers added starting-caliber players at a number of key positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker, among others.
But, perhaps the most underrated addition of the bunch was Ball State transfer tight end Tanner Koziol, who was one of the most productive players in college football a season ago.
Koziol, a 6’7, 240-pound tight end, caught 94 passes for 839 yards and eight touchdowns for Ball State in 2024, and was rated as a top transfer at the position this offseason. He enters a Badgers room in serious need of tight end production after seeing minimal results at the position over the past few years.
What is the ceiling for Koziol in Wisconsin’s new-look offense under offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes in 2025?
Well, certain analysts seem to be high on the new Badgers tight end, even putting him in the All-American conversation.
On3’s Ari Wasserman did his Way-Too-Early All-American predictions for the 2025 season, and Koziol made the list at tight end, being the lone Badger named.
NEW: Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football All-American Team via @AriWasserman
Do you agree? https://t.co/Xzw1Xovc6B pic.twitter.com/6xgBudbv92
— On3 (@On3sports) February 25, 2025
While much has to go right for Koziol to have that level of season, he has the traits and the ability to put together a strong campaign for a Wisconsin team looking to return to the ways of its past.
At 6’7, Koziol is a mismatch for teams as a flexed tight end, and could quickly turn into a strong safety blanket for transfer quarterback Billy Edwards. But, the tight end also has the capability to make explosive plays with good quarterback play, potentially unlocking another element of his game in 2025.
It’s unclear how the Badgers will fare next season. But, if they exceed expectations, Koziol could be a big reason why.