Wisconsin’s 2 Splashy Portal Gets: Why the Hype Might Be a Trap
Wisconsin Badgers’ Transfer Class: Two Players Who Might Not Live Up to the Hype
What’s Going On with Wisconsin Football?
Imagine your favorite sports team had a really rough season last year. They lost a lot of games because they didn’t have enough good players. So this offseason, the coaches went on a massive shopping spree — they brought in 33 new players from other colleges!
Most of these new players were starters at big-time schools (what we call "Power Four" conferences — the biggest, toughest leagues in college football). This is a huge change from previous years when the coaches brought in players who needed more time to develop.
The good news: On paper, this looks like an amazing haul. The Badgers "reloaded heavily" with experienced talent.
The reality check: Not every new player will work out. Some might not play much at all. That’s normal — but the article identifies two specific players who had a lot of hype but might end up being disappointments this year.
Important: What Counts as a "Disappointment"?
A true transfer portal disappointment isn’t just any player who doesn’t start. It’s someone who:
- Came in with lots of hype and expectations
- Had a real chance to play right away (not a long-term project)
- But doesn’t come close to that role in their first year
Example: A player brought in specifically to develop over 2–3 years (like Jayden Loftin from Tennessee) isn’t a "bust" if he doesn’t play this season. That was always the plan.
Player #1: Liam Danitz — The Speedster from a Tiny School
Who Is He?
- Position: Outside Linebacker (OLB) — a defensive player who rushes the quarterback and stops runs on the edges
- Previous School: Hope College (a Division III school — the smallest level of college football)
- Background: Was an All-American sprinter (super fast!) and a standout player at the D-III level
Why Was Everyone Excited?
- His highlight tape (Hudl tape) looked incredible
- His track times were blazing fast
- Big-time schools (including traditional powerhouses called "blue bloods") suddenly wanted him
- Wisconsin beat out major programs to get him
The Plan for Him at Wisconsin
- He joined a crowded outside linebacker room
- The clear #1 guy is Sebastian Cheeks
- But Danitz had a real shot to become a top "SAM" linebacker (a specific pass-rushing role on the strong side of the defense)
- His speed off the edge was supposed to help him pressure quarterbacks immediately
What’s Happened So Far (The Concerning Part)
- Invisible at practices — reporters who watched practices barely noticed him
- Stuck on the third team — he’s been practicing with the backups’ backups most of the time
- Size concerns — he’s listed at 243 pounds, but reporters think that’s "generous" (he looks lighter)
- He’s a fifth-year senior — this is his last year of eligibility; there’s no "next year" for development
The Bottom Line on Danitz
Wisconsin isn’t counting on him to save the season. But for a guy who had Power Four schools fighting for him and a genuine chance to contribute right now, being buried on the depth chart in his final season is a major letdown.
Player #2: Zion Kearney — The Former 5-Star Talent Stuck in Traffic
Who Is He?
- Position: Wide Receiver (WR) — catches passes from the quarterback
- Previous School: Oklahoma (a traditional powerhouse/"blue blood" program)
- High School Ranking: Consensus four-star recruit, ranked #100 overall in the entire country (class of 2024) — that’s "blue-chip" territory!
His Time at Oklahoma
- Spent two years there (2023–2024)
- Stats: 10 catches, 161 yards, 1 touchdown
- The problem: He was an afterthought in their offense — barely used despite his talent
Why Wisconsin Wanted Him
- The Badgers desperately needed help at wide receiver
- They brought in five transfer WRs total
- Two were former blue-chip high school stars: Kearney and Malachi Coleman
- Kearney has a rare size/speed combo: 6-foot-3 and blazing fast
What’s Happening at Camp (The Concerning Part)
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Malachi Coleman | Flashing talent, looks ready for a rotational role (regular playing time as a backup) |
| Zion Kearney | May not crack the two-deep (won’t even be a top-2 backup at his position) |
Why Is He Struggling?
- Locked-in starters: Chris Brooks Jr. and Tyrell Henry have the starting spots on the outside
- No clear "alpha" yet: Several receivers have had good moments, but nobody has seized a clear #3 role
- Missed opportunities: Even with openings, Kearney hasn’t stepped up to claim a rotational spot
- Time is running out: The season starts soon, and he’s not showing he’s ready
The Bottom Line on Kearney
For a player who was a top-100 national recruit with elite physical tools, not even making the two-deep (the top two backups) at a position of need is a significant disappointment — especially when the other blue-chip guy (Coleman) is thriving.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
| Player | Former School | Hype Level | Current Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Danitz | Hope College (D-III) | High — Power Four schools chased him | 3rd-team practice player, final year of eligibility |
| Zion Kearney | Oklahoma (Power Four) | Very High — Top-100 national recruit | May not crack the two-deep at a thin position |
Remember: "Disappointment" here means not meeting Year 1 expectations when they had a real chance to play. Both players are still talented — they just haven’t translated it to the field yet in a Badgers uniform.
Summary
Wisconsin’s 2024 transfer class is impressive on paper — 33 players, dozens of Power Four starters, immediate-impact talent. But two high-profile additions are trending the wrong way in fall camp:
- Liam Danitz came from Division III with massive hype (speed + production) and a real shot at a pass-rushing role. Instead, he’s buried on the third team in his final college season.
- Zion Kearney was a top-100 national recruit with rare size/speed. But he can’t crack the rotation at a position where Wisconsin desperately needs help — while the other highly touted transfer WR (Malachi Coleman) is thriving.
Neither player is "bad." But when you bring in guys with this much buzz and opportunity, and they don’t even sniff the two-deep? That’s a transfer portal disappointment by any fair definition.
The good news? The class is deep enough that Wisconsin can survive these two not panning out. But it’s a reminder: hype ≠ production, especially when the jump in competition is this big.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the "transfer portal"?
Think of it like free agency in pro sports, but for college players. Players can enter their name in a database, and any school can contact them. They can transfer once without sitting out a year (since 2021 rules changed).
What does "Power Four" mean?
The four biggest conferences in college football: SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. These schools have the most money, best facilities, and highest level of competition. "Power Four starter" = a player who started games at that elite level.
What’s a "blue-chip prospect"?
A top-tier high school recruit — usually rated 4 or 5 stars (out of 5) by recruiting services. These are the players every major program fights for. Zion Kearney was ranked #100 nationally — that’s elite.
What is the "two-deep"?
The top two players at each position — the starter and the primary backup. If you’re "in the two-deep," you’ll play meaningful snaps. If you’re not, you’re probably only playing in blowouts or on special teams.
What’s a "SAM linebacker"?
In a 3-4 defense (what Wisconsin runs), the SAM is the strong-side outside linebacker. His main jobs: set the edge against the run and rush the passer. It’s a premium athletic position — think "fast, strong, violent."