Wisconsin football projected starting defensive lineman to enter transfer portal

Wisconsin football projected starting defensive lineman T.J. Bollers is entering the transfer portal when the spring window opens on April 16, according his post on X.

Bollers was slated to play a major role for the Badgers along the defensive line after moving from outside linebacker following the 2023 season. The team is shallow at the position at this stage in the spring, and this news only makes that situation worse.

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Bollers joined the program as a four-star recruit in the class of 2021. He was the No. 159 recruit in the class, No. 11 edge rusher and No. 2 recruit from his home state of Iowa. He barely saw the field throughout his career in a crowded Wisconsin outside linebacker room, finding most of his playing time on special teams.

The converted outside linebacker is a bit of an odd fit in Mike Tressel’s 3-3-5 defense. That could be a part of the reason behind the move, as he’d be better served as a 4-3 defensive end.

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Bollers still has his high billing from his high school recruiting days. That had people looking at 2024 as a potential breakout season for the Tiffin, Iowa, native, though that will have to come with another program.

Wisconsin is sure to be active in the transfer portal window with defensive line a likely priority.

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