The Wisconsin Badgers have added a transfer portal commitment from a player who was previously on the radar of the staff.
Jayden Loftin announced his commitment to the Badgers after departing the Tennessee Volunteers for the transfer portal. Loftin was a four-star edge rusher in the 2025 recruiting cycle and the seventh-ranked recruit in the state of New Jersey. Out of high school, Loftin held offers Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Penn State, and many more.
Ultimately the recruit came down to a decision between the Volunteers and the Badgers, and Tennessee won the initial round. The second time around Wisconsin managed to come out on top as the Badgers’ staff quickly pursued Loftin after his portal entry.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive lineman held nearly two dozen scholarships out of high school. Loftin was ranked as the 33rd edge rusher and the 289th overall recruit in the class. The defender was one of the highest rated recruits the Badgers’ staff had pursued in the 2025 cycle.
Wisconsin Badgers Land Tennessee Transfer Defensive Lineman Jayden Loftin
In his lone collegiate season with Tennessee, Loftin played briefly against New Mexico State without recording a tackle. The defensive lineman did not see any other action as a true freshman for the Volunteers, who were notably deep along the defensive line.
For Loftin, the decision to land with Wisconsin was simple as the staff is already familiar with the athlete and his playing style. The talented defender is a big, physical player who is known for using his size and strength advantages often on the field. Loftin was unable to crack the lineup with Tennessee, but a fresh start in Madison should also bring early playing time his way.
Wisconsin has been silently rebuilding the defensive line after losing talent like Charles Perkins, Ernest Willor Jr., and Jamel Howard to the transfer portal. All three had become rotational players and the 2026 season promised increased roles for the trio. The departures have led to openings that the Badgers’ staff have since filled with new commitments alongside Loftin.
In addition to adding Loftin to the defensive line Wisconsin also landed Hammond Russell IV (West Virginia), Justus Boone (Arkansas), and Junior Poyser (Buffalo). The trio combined for 8.5 sacks this past season while experiencing varying degrees of playing time. The Badgers should be able to find a new rotation along the defensive line with the additions that have been made through the transfer portal.
Loftin will also join returners like Dillan Johnson, who took major steps forward on the field this season, and a trio of 2026 recruits. Wisconsin signed three-star defensive linemen Djidjou Bah, Yahya Gaad, and Arthur Scott in the 2026 cycle who all could serve as future pieces of the puzzle.
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