Wisconsin’s top transfer portal, CJ West, committed to Indiana on Wednesday.
West was recently given a crystal ball to choose head coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers. The Badgers were previously in hot pursuit of the Kent State transfer forward. Luke Fickell’s team offered West after he entered the transfer portal on April 17 and was the first to welcome you on an official visit.
Related: Big Ten football 2024 post-spring power rankings
West also visited Michigan, LSU, Rutgers and Indiana before announcing his commitment. Entering today, he was considered the best defensive forward available in the transfer portal and the 10th best uncommitted player.
The 2023 All-MAC selection and three-year starter at Kent State recorded 110 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks during his career. His 2023 season included 40 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks as the Golden Flashes struggled to a 1-11 record.
He picks an Indiana program that is being rebuilt under new coach Curt Cignetti. The program now has the nation’s 30th-ranked transfer class, with West being its 29th commitment.
2024 will be the forward’s final year of college eligibility.
Wisconsin goes back to the drawing board as it continues to search for defensive line help in the transfer portal. The program is still in the running for top defensive lineman Jay’Viar Suggs, which could soften the blow of losing West to a different Big Ten school.
Either way, Luke Fickell’s program is in dire need of help at the position heading into a crucial 2024 season.
For more on Wisconsin’s transfer portal activity this spring, check out our Spring 2024 Transfer Portal Window Tracker.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to keep up with ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinions. Follow Ben Kenney on X.
