Wisconsin Football Transfer Opens up About Choosing the Badgers

Wisconsin football head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo tapped into the transfer portal again this offseason, snagging an experienced quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke to lead the Badgers in 2024.

“I mean, obviously, we are very pleased with what Tyler has to offer, or we wouldn’t have brought him in,” Longo told reporters. “But he’s got a lot of experience. He’s a mentally tough kid. He’s very bright. Obviously, he’s tall and rangy, and he can throw it all over the yard.” 

The hope is that Van Dyke, who started 28 games under center for the Miami Hurricanes, can recapture his redshirt freshman season form where he placed himself on the radar of NFL scouts. In 2021, the former four-star recruit had 2,931 yards passing with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, averaging 9.0 yards per attempt. Van Dyke also completed 25 big-time throws, per PFF, earning ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year.

That said, Van Dyke’s career has been marred by inconsistency ever since that season. He’s had three different offensive coordinators, with varying degrees of success, and has dealt with some injuries and turnover issues. 

In search of a fresh start for his final season of eligibility, Van Dyke entered the transfer portal and decided the Wisconsin Badgers football program and their offense was the right fit for him. 

“I decided to come to Wisconsin because of the rich tradition, culture, some elite coaches, players here,” Van Dyke said. “I feel like we have a really good chance to win this year.

“Really excited to learn coach Longo’s system with all the quarterbacks he has in the league. Also excited to grow as a player, as a person, and learn from the best.”