Wisconsin Football Starting Defensive Lineman Enters Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kedrick Stumbris | Last updated Dec 4, 2024 8:36 PM ET

Madison, WI - Although the offense, led by now-fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo, took the brunt of consternation from Wisconsin football fans this season, UW's defensive front also left much to be desired.

Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel did not find ways to create havoc regularly in 2024. Wisconsin ranked 118th out of all 133 FBS teams with only 17 sacks in 12 games. Beyond getting to the quarterback, the Badgers finished last in the country with only 42 tackles for loss.

With leaders Elijah Hills, who has exhausted his eligibility, and Curt Neal, who already announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, on their way out from Madison, Tressel needs someone to step up - not just to replace their production, but to improve upon it.

Unfortunately for Tressel and head coach Luke Fickell, the most likely candidate to do that is also transferring from UW.

Wisconsin Football DL James Thompson Jr. Enters Transfer Portal

Per a report by Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports, James Thompson Jr. has entered the transfer portal. The redshirt senior missed nearly all of the 2024 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in fall camp. The injury, which required surgery, sidelined Thompson Jr. for all but one game.

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native played a few snaps in Wisconsin's 44-25 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was available but did not play in the Badgers' 24-7 season-ending loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The six-foot-five-inch lineman was projected to be a key piece in a weak position group for Wisconsin football. The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree appeared in every game for the Badgers in the past three seasons. He made a combined 18 starts on the defensive line between 2022 and 2023, tallying 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in that stretch. Thompson Jr. led UW's defensive linemen in 2023 with 29 tackles.

The former three-star recruit participated in Wisconsin's senior day festivities last week. When asked before the Badgers' regular-season finale to describe his career in Madison, Thompson Jr. paused before saying, "I'm very, forever, grateful."

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

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