Who are the five incoming transfers that will have the most significant impact for the Badgers?

This off-season, there has been an astounding influx of new players and a commensurately big outflow of Badgers from the program.

After looking at the most significant players to leave Madison in the first of this two-part series, I’m now going to focus on the five players that, as of right now, I think will be the greatest for the Wisconsin Badgers in the future.

Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke

Even though younger players will probably have a greater long-term impact than any one-year player, the quarterback position in the Wisconsin attack of 2024 is anticipated to be the most important. Van Dyke, a gifted athlete who can be divisive at times, comes to Madison from Miami.

Van Dyke had shown flashes of being a top-tier Power 5 quarterback, and his breakout year came in 2021 when he scored an astounding 25 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions and had a ton of big plays. Even Alabama expressed interest in him in 2022, despite his ups and downs. Van Dyke’s draft stock was hurt by a subpar 2023 campaign in which he played for his third offensive scheme in three years.

Van Dyke has a lot of potential when he comes to Madison, but he also has to prove himself. Van Dyke’s performance in 2024 will have a significant impact on the Badgers’ success.

USC LB Tackett Curtis

It is no secret that Mike Tressel’s 2023 team lacked impact players, disruptors, and reliable tacklers at linebacker. For this reason, Fickell’s acquisition of Curtis—a unanimous high four-star recruit from the previous cycle who kept Wisconsin in contention all the way to the end—was a huge victory. Ohio State and LSU were the teams Fickell beat out for Curtis in the portal.

Although the young linebacker didn’t anticipate graduating from USC in 2023, the fact that he began as a true freshman suggests that he has a lot of potential.

With better coaching, Curtis has a great chance to succeed in the Badger scheme.

LSU TE Jackson McGohan

McGohan, a sizeable and swift LSU transfer tight end with considerable potential (having received notable offers from Auburn and Oklahoma out of high school), is poised to make an immediate impact. In the 2024 Badgers lineup, he is expected to contend for starting snaps, providing Van Dyke with an additional option beyond the running back and wide receiver positions.

According to 247Sports’ assessment during McGohan’s senior year, he possesses exceptional ball skills, excelling in winning 50-50 balls and consistently making acrobatic and tough grabs. McGohan is recognized for catching the ball away from his body naturally and displaying a smooth route-running ability. Moreover, he runs vigorously after the catch, demonstrating an ability to break tackles.

While there are no certainties, particularly in the tight end position, the expectation is strong that McGohan will emerge as a valuable contributor for the Badgers.

Arkansas LB Jaheim Thomas

Thomas, a four-star transfer joining the Badgers from Arkansas, is poised to make a significant impact as a linebacker right from the start, enhancing the athleticism of Wisconsin’s linebacker corps. Originally from Ohio, Thomas began his college career at Cincinnati under head coach Luke Fickell before transferring to Arkansas last season.

During his time at Arkansas, Thomas showcased his prowess by leading the team in tackles with 90, along with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. His impressive performance has left Razorbacks fans surprised and disappointed to see him go.

Amidst a winter marked by notable linebacker portal acquisitions for the Badgers, Thomas is seen as having substantial upside, comparable to Curtis. His decision to join Wisconsin is regarded as a significant victory for Coach Fickell and his staff.

William & Mary OLB John Pius

Pius, a senior and a four-star transfer according to On3, brings his high potential as an outside linebacker/edge rusher from FCS William & Mary to Wisconsin. His arrival presents a strong possibility of providing an immediate lift to the Badgers’ pass rush unit, which experienced some underperformance in 2023. This addition gives Coach Tressel another versatile weapon to incorporate into his somewhat intricate defensive scheme.

If Pius performs well during the upcoming season for the Badgers, it could firmly position him as a prospect to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft. His skills and contributions are anticipated to make a meaningful impact on Wisconsin’s defensive capabilities.