Wisconsin Loses Senior WR to Transfer Portal, Adds Fresh Uncertainty at Receiver Depth
The Wisconsin Badgers are experiencing a notable wave of transfers this offseason, and wide receiver Joe Griffin Jr. is among the players choosing the portal. Griffin announced his decision to enter the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility earlier this week, concluding his time with Wisconsin after recording one reception for five yards across two seasons with the program.
Griffin expressed gratitude and faith in his message, saying, “First, I want to give all glory to God for blessing me with the chance to play this game at a high level. I’d like to thank Coach Fickell for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Wisconsin family and experience the Big Ten. Coach Reid and Coach Guiton — thank you both for your encouragement, guidance, and belief in me. It was truly an honor to work with you. To the training staff and strength coaches, thank you for the growth, support, and care you’ve poured into me during my time here. And to my teammates — I’ll never forget the relationships we’ve built. Those bonds will last a lifetime. Lastly, thank you to the University of Wisconsin for allowing me to further my education, make lifelong friends, and be part of Badger Nation. After serious thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Thank you all.”
Griffin was among the receivers Wisconsin added via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season. He came from Boston College, where he produced 25 catches for 345 yards and a touchdown in his sophomore year, and 18 receptions for 234 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman with the Golden Eagles.
Known as a player with strong ball skills and a vertical edge on 50-50 balls, Griffin flashed that athleticism during Wisconsin’s spring practices and fall camp. However, he was declared ineligible during his first year in Madison and didn’t carve out a regular role in 2025.
With Griffin’s departure, Wisconsin’s passing game faces a significant gap to fill this offseason. The Badgers must address both starting-caliber receivers and depth to ensure the position remains a strength for the program moving forward.
