The Wisconsin Badgers were active in the transfer portal this offseason, adding five new players to complete their roster for the 2025 campaign.
Their transfer haul began with guard Nick Boyd from San Diego State, wing Andrew Rohde from Virginia, and forward Austin Rapp from Portland. They later bolstered their backcourt depth with Tulsa transfer Braeden Carrington before rounding out the roster last month by landing Temple forward Elijah Gray. With these additions, Wisconsin aims to build on last season’s success, fielding a team that features both high-end talent and reliable depth.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have become central to attracting top talent, with some players seeking seven-figure offers to change schools. The Badgers have become increasingly competitive in this space, thanks in large part to head coach Greg Gard’s efforts. Over the past two transfer cycles, Wisconsin has remained in the mix for several high-profile names.
Among the Badgers’ additions this offseason, one earned national recognition. Guard Nick Boyd was ranked No. 71 in ESPN’s top 100 transfers—a list that also included standouts like P.J. Haggerty (Memphis to Kansas State), Bennett Stirtz (Drake to Iowa), and Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB to Michigan).
ESPN highlighted Boyd’s potential impact, noting:
> “Wisconsin had its best offensive season in a long time last season, and the Badgers did it without a true point guard. How will they look with Boyd running the show? He and Andrew Rohde are both capable passers, but Boyd is a natural lead guard who will be surrounded by shooters.”
Boyd brings valuable experience, having contributed to Florida Atlantic’s 2023 Final Four run and producing career-best numbers at San Diego State last season. He averaged 13.4 points per game and shot 37% from three over his career. His ability to facilitate, operate in ball screens, and score at all three levels makes him a strong fit for Wisconsin’s offense.
He’s expected to form a dynamic backcourt alongside rising star John Blackwell, who will shift to his natural shooting guard role. With Boyd taking the reins at point guard, expectations are high for his final year of eligibility—and he appears poised to make a major impact for the Badgers.
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