As hot as the Badgers have been in the portal, the greatest news is that it isn’t over yet for Wisconsin. Last night, offensive coordinator Phil Longo hinted at five new Badgers joining in the near future. So far, two transfers have been announced since Longo’s tweet, leaving the potential for three more players.
🟥⬜️ Five more weapons coming to Madison!!!!! Badgers gittin better everyday! #DontBlink #MadisonMomentum #BadgerNation #237Days pic.twitter.com/P34eyTEhen
— Phil Longo (@CoachPhilLongo) January 9, 2023
There isn’t any real formula for what will make the transfers commit. Nor is there a recipe for who is seriously interested in joining Wisconsin, and who is just hidden in the smoke and mirrors. While Longo and coach Luke Fickell have hinted at three more transfers joining the team, the Badgers may not stop there. Here is a look at three portal entries Wisconsin may try to bring into the program.
CB, Domani Jackson, USC
While his name hasn’t been added to the portal officially yet, Domani Jackson may join his teammate CJ Williams in the portal. Williams has already made a visit to Madison to meet with the Wisconsin staff. Jackson has been posting a series of shrugging emojis on Twitter and deleting them shortly after reports of USC’s involvement with defensive back Tony Grimes. Grimes was arguably the top defensive back available in the portal and held heavy links to USC before committing to Texas A&M.
Jackson has been unable to play much behind Mekhi Blackmon and the stacked room at the cornerback position. Due to injuries as well, Jackson was limited to two tackles and one pass defense in portions of seven games. Jackson has been rather silent lately on Twitter, which is uncharacteristic for the young corner. Despite his name not being in the portal officially yet, Jackson could enter soon if the frustration is actually there. Wisconsin could prove to be a valuable home for the speed demon.
DE, Jevon Banks, Mississippi State
When in need of a run-stopper, look no further than Jevon Banks. Thus far in his collegiate career, the Redshirt Junior has recorded 26 tackles and four tackles for loss in 20 games. Banks has a decent amount of experience at the collegiate level, however, he didn’t receive playing time until the 2022 season. Coming in at 300 lbs, Banks is a big, physical player who intelligently uses his power moves.
Wisconsin has already been lucky enough to welcome fellow defensive end Jeff Pietrowski to the team. The Michigan State transfer will immediately help the Badgers’ defense. Wisconsin may not stop there, since the team may look to continue to bolster the roster. Banks could be a solid addition for the Badgers since he has the ability to play on the inside as well, due to his size and strength.
LB, Juwan Mitchell, Tennessee
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The New Jersey native, Juwan Mitchell, is originally a Longhorn commit. After two successful years with Texas, Mitchell transferred to Tennessee where he found himself in a much different situation. Between injuries and depth, Mitchell only recorded eight tackles in 2021 after finishing with 62 in 2020. 2022 proved to be the revival of Mitchell’s collegiate career after he recorded 43 tackles and an interception. The Senior will have one year of eligibility left and he is the most recent transfer portal entry.
2019 was the most complete year for him when he recorded 39 tackles, four pass defenses, and three sacks. Mitchell hasn’t been able to replicate this stat line sense, but with another change of scenery, he could find himself in elite territory in 2023. Mitchell is the newest addition to the portal, so it is likely that the Badgers haven’t been in contact yet. However, Mitchell’s ability and versatility could provide a boost for the amazing Wisconsin defense. Fickell has been known to get the best out of players and he could do the same with the New Jersey product.
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