This time of the year, plenty of college football players across the country are getting ready for the end of the season. Others are already looking ahead to 2025. We’re of course referencing the transfer portal, with things set to officially open up next month.
Wisconsin, just like every season, is expected to lose some players who will be looking for playing time elsewhere. Such will be the case for redshirt-freshman quarterback Cole LaCrue. A former 3-star signee from the 2023 class, LaCrue is buried on the depth chart.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, LaCrue will enter the portal. He has four years of eligibility left available to him.
LaCrue deciding to head elsewhere isn’t a stunner whatsoever. When QB Tyler Van Dike went down with his torn ACL, Braedyn Locke stepped in as the team’s new starting quarterback. Behind him is freshman Mabrey Mettauer, a four-star signee from last year’s recruiting class.
LaCrue was never going to see playing time for the Badgers this season. Not only that, but Wisconsin is among the finalists for four-star 2025 quarterback Carter Smith, an elite signal-caller who recently backed off his pledge from Michigan.
According to 247’s Evan Flood, Smith is down to Wisconsin and Florida State. He’s taking an official visit to Tallahassee later this month, with a decision coming leading up to the Early Signing Period, which starts on Dec. 4.
The Badgers appear to be in a great spot to potentially land Smith’s services. Should he end up signing to play for Fickell and Co., it’s only going to make the QBs room even more crowded in Wisconsin and LaCrue will fall down further on the depth chart.
Once the portal opens up, he’ll start looking for a new place to call home for next season. When he signed with Wisconsin, he did so over other offers from Colorado, Central Michigan, Northern Colorado, South Dakota and Tulane.
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Wisconsin’s Quarterback Depth Chart
The Wisconsin Badgers have a crowded quarterback room, which has led to Cole LaCrue’s decision to enter the transfer portal. With Tyler Van Dike’s injury, Braedyn Locke has taken over as the starting quarterback.
Behind Locke is freshman Mabrey Mettauer, a highly-touted four-star recruit from the previous year’s class. This depth has limited opportunities for LaCrue, prompting his decision to seek playing time elsewhere.
Impact of Carter Smith’s Recruitment
Adding to the competition, Wisconsin is in the running to sign four-star quarterback Carter Smith for the 2025 class. Smith, who recently decommitted from Michigan, has narrowed his choices down to Wisconsin and Florida State.
If Smith chooses Wisconsin, it will further complicate the depth chart and reduce LaCrue’s chances of seeing the field.
Smith’s decision is expected to be made during the Early Signing Period in December, and Wisconsin is currently in a favorable position to secure his commitment.
LaCrue’s Future Prospects
As LaCrue prepares to enter the transfer portal, he will have four years of eligibility remaining, making him an attractive option for programs in need of a quarterback.
During his recruitment, LaCrue received offers from several schools, including:
- Colorado
- Central Michigan
- Northern Colorado
- South Dakota
- Tulane
These programs, along with others, may be interested in acquiring LaCrue’s services as he looks for a new team where he can compete for playing time and further develop his skills.
Potential Landing Spots
Given his previous offers, schools like Colorado and Central Michigan could be potential landing spots for LaCrue. These programs may provide him with a better opportunity to compete for a starting role.
Additionally, other programs in need of quarterback depth may also show interest in LaCrue as he enters the transfer portal.
Conclusion
As the transfer portal opens, Cole LaCrue’s decision to leave Wisconsin is a strategic move to find more playing time and further his college football career.
With four years of eligibility remaining, LaCrue has the potential to make a significant impact at his next destination. Wisconsin, on the other hand, will continue to navigate its quarterback depth chart, especially with the possible addition of Carter Smith.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both LaCrue and the Badgers as they prepare for the next chapter in their respective journeys.
For more information on Cole LaCrue’s transfer and Wisconsin’s quarterback situation, visit Badger of Honor.
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