Wisconsin redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jamel Howard Jr. entered the transfer portal on Saturday.
The second-year tackle is the 22nd Wisconsin scholarship player to enter since the portal opened on Dec. 9. He is also the 11th member of Luke Fickell’s class of 2023 to depart. Only four players from that class remain with the program: WR Trech Kekahuna, TE Tucker Ashcraft, LB Tyler Jansey and LB Christian Alliegro.
Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker
“After meaningful talks with my family and staff, I’m grateful to the University of Wisconsin for helping me grow as a player and person,” Howard wrote on X. “With that, I’m entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility.”
Howard joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 1,213 player in the class of 2023, No. 130 defensive lineman and No. 26 recruit from his home state of Illinois. He originally committed to the program in June 2022 back when Paul Chryst was head coach. He then decommitted after Chryst’s firing before joining back after Luke Fickell’s hire.
The lineman did not see any game action in his two years with the program.
After meaningful talks with my family and staff, I’m grateful to the University of Wisconsin for helping me grow as a player and person. With that, I’m entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility. pic.twitter.com/AxhmTL3HPs
— Jamel howard Jr (@HJ_Jr58) December 21, 2024
Howard’s departure reflects larger movement within Wisconsin’s defensive line room. Veterans Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. both transferred out, while the program added commitments from transfers Parker Petersen, Corey Walker, Charles Perkins and Michael Garner.
That infusion of veteran talent at the position would have made it challenging for Howard to see snaps in 2025. He transfers out with three years of eligibility remaining.
For more on Wisconsin’s outgoing transfers and where they end up, bookmark our 2024 transfer departure tracker.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.
