Wisconsin Badgers Prioritize In-State Recruiting Amid Transfer Portal Era

As the transfer portal transforms college basketball, the Badgers are building their roster with homegrown talent.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:06pm

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In the era of the transfer portal, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team is focusing its recruiting efforts on high school players from within the state. Head coach Greg Gard and his staff recognize the value of developing in-state talent as a foundation for the roster, even as they supplement with experienced transfers. The Badgers have signed several Wisconsin natives in recent classes and are actively recruiting the state's 2027 prospects.

Why it matters

The transfer portal has led many programs to prioritize immediate roster upgrades over long-term player development. However, the Badgers are taking a balanced approach, using the portal strategically while also investing in homegrown talent. This strategy allows Wisconsin to build a sustainable program rooted in the state's basketball culture.

The details

Wisconsin assistant coach Sharif Chambliss was recently seen leaving a late-season practice early to watch 2027 prospect Kager Knueppel of Wisconsin Lutheran. The Badgers' director of recruiting and scouting, Isaac Wodajo, emphasized the program's focus on in-state and Minnesota recruits, noting the 'phenomenal' talent in Wisconsin's 2027 class. This approach is a shift from recent years, as the Badgers signed their first in-state players since 2019 with the additions of Zach Kinziger and Will Garlock in 2025.

  • In June 2024, Isaac Wodajo was hired as the Badgers' director of recruiting and scouting.
  • In November 2025, Wisconsin signed in-state guard LaTrevion Fenderson.
  • The Badgers recently made a late scholarship offer to Wisconsin Lutheran guard Zavier Zens, who is currently on an official visit.

The players

Greg Gard

Head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team.

Isaac Wodajo

Director of recruiting and scouting for the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team.

Kager Knueppel

A 2027 prospect from Wisconsin Lutheran High School.

Zach Kinziger

A guard from DePere, Wisconsin who signed with the Badgers in 2025.

Will Garlock

A center from Middleton, Wisconsin who signed with the Badgers in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Gard wants the focus on high school players in the state. We still have the Minnesota pipeline, as well. The talent in this state (in 2027) is phenomenal.”

— Isaac Wodajo, Director of Recruiting and Scouting

“Unless they are A.J. Dybantsa or Cam Boozer ... if you're going to invest a lot of money in your freshmen, the likelihood that they are going to move the needle for you is pretty slim. It doesn't make good business sense to stick a lot of money into freshmen because they can't help you right out of the gate.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach

What’s next

The Badgers will continue to monitor the 2027 in-state recruiting class, with eight known scholarship offers already extended to Wisconsin and Minnesota prospects. Coach Gard and his staff will also look to add more experienced talent through the transfer portal to complement their homegrown recruits.

The takeaway

The Wisconsin Badgers' strategy of prioritizing in-state recruiting in the transfer portal era demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable program rooted in the state's basketball culture. By blending high school talent development with strategic portal additions, the Badgers are positioning themselves for long-term success.