MADISON – It was assumed that when Wisconsin hired a new offensive coordinator that the team’s quarterback room would have a different look.
It turns out the receiver corps will feature a lot of different players, too.
That was the word after news spread of Will Pauling’s and C.J. Williams’ entrance into the transfer portal Tuesday. Pauling led the Badgers with 42 catches and ranked second with 407 yards. Williams’ 16 catches ranked fifth and his 248 yards ranked fourth.
When you include those departures with that of Bryson Green, who completed his eligibility, Wisconsin has lost three of its top five receivers this season.
247sports first reported Pauling’s departure. A couple of minutes later ESPN reported the departure of Pauling and Williams.
Pauling later announced his departure on X.
“After much prayer, conversation and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer,” he wrote. “My time in Madison has been an incredible blessing. I’ve built lifelong relationships, grown tremendously in my faith and as a player and experienced moments I will cherish forever.”
Williams announced his departure later in the evening on X.
“Thank you Madison!,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone that put time and effort into me during my time here – from the coaching staff, admin, educational staff, fans, etc. I am grateful for how this team and the University shaped me as a young man and player.
“I am beyond honored to walk away with a degree that reads “University of Wisconsin-Madison” on it and proud to have been a Badger.”
Both players were portal pickups who arrived after Luke Fickell was hired as head coach following the 2022 season.
Pauling, who played for Fickell at Cincinnati, caught 116 passes for 1,244 yards, a 10.7-yard average, with nine touchdowns in two seasons. He caught 42 passes for 407 yards, a 9.69-yard average, with three touchdowns this year in 10 games. He missed two games due to injury.
Williams, who played his freshman year at USC, caught 31 passes for 396 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons. He had 16 grabs for 248 yards, for an average of 15.5 yards per catch, this season. He averaged 9,9 yards per reception as a sophomore.
Both players have one year of eligibility remaining.
In the wake of their departures who is left at the position?
Trech Kekahuna, a redshirt freshman, returned after a brief stint in the portal. Junior Vinny Anthony, who had a breakout season with 39 catches for 672 yards, a 187.23 average, and four touchdowns, is still in the fold. So is redshirt sophomore Quincy Burroughs and junior Tyrell Henry.
Coach Luke Fickell has not picked up any players at the position in the portal.
More:Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: Who’s leaving and who’s arriving?
