The NCAA transfer portal is abuzz with activity as the December 9th opening date approaches, and the Wisconsin Badgers are feeling the effects of the early departures from their program. With 13 players already announcing their intentions to enter the portal, the Badgers are facing significant attrition, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
One notable trend is the departure of all the defensive backs from the 2023 cycle, leaving just five scholarship athletes remaining from that class. As these players bid farewell to Madison, it's essential to evaluate the impact of their exits on the program, using a 'Sting Factor' scale from 1 to 10 to gauge the losses.
Beginning with Cole LaCrue, the departure of the redshirt freshman quarterback may sting a bit in terms of depth, but his limited role and injury history suggest he wasn't poised for a significant impact on the team. LaCrue had been surpassed on the depth chart by a true freshman and was unlikely to see playing time, making his departure a minor setback.
Leon Lowery, a redshirt senior outside linebacker, failed to make a substantial impact during his time with the Badgers, registering modest stats that fell short of expectations for a starting role. While his departure may leave a gap in the lineup, his lack of consistent performance makes it a manageable loss for the team.
Amare Snowden, a highly touted cornerback recruit, struggled to secure playing time despite his potential, ultimately leading to his decision to enter the transfer portal. His departure highlights the challenge of translating recruiting accolades into on-field success, underscoring the uncertainties of player development at the collegiate level.
Jonas Duclona, another defensive back prospect, showed flashes of promise but never fully realized his potential on the field. While his departure may impact the team's depth, the emergence of younger players limited his opportunities for significant playing time, making his exit a calculated risk for both parties.
Justin Taylor, a versatile safety and cornerback prospect, faced a competitive lineup that hindered his chances of making a substantial contribution to the team. Despite his potential to provide depth in the secondary, Taylor's limited playing time and transition between positions made his departure a logical choice for his career advancement.
Curt Neal's departure presents a more significant loss for the Badgers, as the defensive lineman brought experience and consistency to the lineup, despite potential mismatches in his role. His departure underscores the challenges of player fit within the team's defensive scheme and the need to address positional depth moving forward.
Trech Kekahuna's exit stands out as a notable loss for Wisconsin, as the dynamic wide receiver showcased his playmaking ability in limited opportunities. His departure raises questions about the team's utilization of talent and highlights the importance of maximizing player potential within the offensive structure.
As the offseason unfolds and more players consider their futures with the Badgers, the program will need to navigate the challenges of rebuilding depth and talent across various positions. Assessing the impact of these departures on the team's overall composition and performance will be crucial in shaping the Badgers' path forward in the competitive landscape of college football.
