Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Defensive Lineman Visiting Big Ten Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dillon Graff | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 11:51 AM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers football program is navigating some significant changes to its defensive line room this offseason.

Former starter James Thompson Jr. entered the transfer portal after five seasons with the Badgers and is looking to finish his final season of eligibility elsewhere. Could that final season be played for a Big Ten rival?

Thompson announced an official visit to Illinois, per his social media post.

The Ohio native's decision to leave Wisconsin follows a 2024 season that was largely derailed due to a torn pectoral muscle.

Thompson appeared in 38 games during his time in Madison and registered 58 tackles, 32 pressures, five sacks, and two pass breakups as a multi-year contributor.

I will be visiting the University of Illinois #FamILLy pic.twitter.com/tY3C9zD6tI
— James Thompson (@james_jr56) December 12, 2024

Since entering the portal, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman has drawn significant interest. Along with Illinois, he has already scheduled an official visit to Texas A&M. Additionally, Thompson has received offers from Tennessee, Colorado State, Texas A&M, Boise State, NC State, Auburn, Stanford, Cal, Texas Tech, and several others.

Should he choose Illinois, Thompson would add depth to a defensive line that's losing several key contributors. He would also add another layer of intrigue to the November 2025 matchup between Wisconsin and Illinois.

The Illini, coming off a 9-3 season and a Citrus Bowl berth, are seeking to build on their first nine-win campaign since 2007. For Wisconsin, losing Thompson, fellow starter Curt Neal to the transfer portal, and Elijah Hills to graduation creates some significant holes to address on the defensive front this offseason.

How the Badgers reload in the trenches through the transfer portal will likely play a pivotal role in how Mike Tressel's defense performs in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: