This spring, the defensive line transfer was finally made available to the Badgers staff.
Defensive linemen are now officially checked off of the wishlist by Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football coaching staff via the transfer portal.
Brandon Lane, a defensive tackle for Stephen F. Austin who verbally committed to Louisville, has switched teams and will now play for the Wisconsin Badgers.
𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃. ✔️
Welcome to the Badger family, @Brandonlane_88! pic.twitter.com/TB9CMqaFGV
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) May 24, 2024
To be really honest, Lane told Badgernotes, “it’s all about developing relationships and finding the best opportunity for me on the field, getting me ready for the next level, and knowing the school has your back.”
“It hit different when you find a school that genuinely wants and needs you.”
Before putting pen to paper and committing with Wisconsin football, Lane verbally committed to three different schools this spring, so it was a wild ride. Lane committed to Michigan State in April, but he didn’t rule anything out and spent a short time at Louisville.
Despite his commitment to the Cardinals, the Wisconsin football coaches never let off the gas in their pursuit of Lane. Their relentless efforts ultimately persuaded him to change his course and come to Madison.
Lane started his collegiate career at South Dakota State, appearing in three games in 2021 before transferring to Stephen F. Austin, where he played the last two seasons.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman from Kansas City, Missouri, registered 44 tackles, 11 pressures, and 6.5 tackles for loss this past season. Pro Football Focus gave Lane a defensive grade of 74.6. He should also be an asset as a run defender, where he earned a 79.9 grade.
Under position coach E.J. Whitlow, he enters a Badgers defensive line room where snaps are up for grabs. This spring, Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. received first-team reps, with Ben Barten and Elijah Hills filling in behind. According to publication, Lane should immediately increase the team’s talent and depth while vying for a significant berth in the two deep this autumn.
Lane’s eligibility as a member of the Wisconsin football team will expire after two years.
