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….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-football-loses-two-key-031757288.html
Author : Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-12-18 03:17:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.