Missouri State Bears tight end Lance Mason (85) scores the game winning touchdown on the Youngstown State Penguins at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers find Tanner Koziol replacement in transfer portal with small-school stud

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 5:58 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers thought they had their tight end upgrade secured in the transfer portal, but Luke Fickell just found his Plan B.

A week after Tanner Koziol left the program and re-entered the portal, the Badgers locked in his replacement.

Senior tight end Lance Mason from Missouri State officially committed to Wisconsin on Friday.

BREAKING: Missouri State transfer TE Lance Mason has Committed to Wisconsin, @on3sports has learned

He was a 23 game starter and led all of FCS in TE receiving yards last season

1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/iIzga9DvfE
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 25, 2025

An FCS tight end might not sound like an exciting piece, but Mason caught 34 passes for 590 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, bringing some real play-making ability to the Wisconsin offense.

He averaged over 17 yards per reception with the speed to separate from defenders in coverage and eat up yards in the open field.

According to PFF, Mason averaged 12.5 yards after catch per reception this season and dropped just one pass.

He also saw plenty of time as a blocker in Missouri State's diverse run scheme, so he should be a welcomed addition to Jeff Grimes' offense.

Credit to Fickell for pivoting when his top tight end target didn't work out. Mason has the chance to really make a name for himself now that he's getting a shot at the FBS level.

Missouri State TE Lance Mason (@lancemason34 ) is one of the best in the FCS.

Mason finished the season with 34-590-6 receiving line. Love his long speed. Averaged 17.4 yards per catch!#FCS #GoBears #OutHitOutHustle #ProveIt pic.twitter.com/XfjWFkAUbU
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) April 11, 2025