Wisconsin Badgers Integrate 19 Transfer Players for 2025 Season

The Wisconsin Badgers football team enters the 2025 season with significant roster changes, including 19 new players from the transfer portal, many of whom are expected to start or play key roles. Among the transfers is senior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who comes from Maryland and is the third consecutive transfer quarterback under head coach Luke Fickell, who values Edwards' prior Big Ten experience for its potential benefits despite limited direct knowledge of his play. The kicking competition between Nathanial Vakos and Gavin Lahm is notably close, with Fickell emphasizing that the decision will factor in mindset and overall team benefit rather than just statistics. Meanwhile, the University at Buffalo prepares to face Minnesota with transfer quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson starting his first game in nearly two years, leaning on his extensive college experience to manage the challenge. At Purdue, sophomore Ethan Trent is carving out his own path on the football team, moving beyond the shadow of his older brother Tyler's inspirational story and earning playing time under new head coach Barry Odom. These narratives reflect the dynamic nature of college football rosters and the integral role transfers and player development play heading into the new season.