3 schools emerging as schools to watch for Badgers star transfer
The Badgers star guard is getting interest from some of the top schools in the nation.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the semifinals of the 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Wisconsin Badgers were dealt an unfortunate blow to begin the offseason, as star guard John Blackwell announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. Blackwell has immediately become one of the most sought-after transfers, being ranked as the No.
2 transfer in the portal by 247Sports heading into his senior season. As a junior, the star averaged 19. 1 points, 5.
1 rebounds, and 2. 3 assists while shooting nearly 39 percent from three. It was always going to be a challenge for Wisconsin to retain its core, and we saw that come to fruition this week when Blackwell and starting forward Aleksas Bieliauskas both entered the transfer portal.
Blackwell could be one of the highest-paid players in college basketball next season, and some schools are reportedly emerging as suitors in his recruitment. On3’s Jamie Shaw reported that Michigan, Indiana, and Duke are schools to watch in his recruitment, and we can share that Illinois has also been showing interest in the Badgers guard so far. “John Blackwell has progressively gotten better each of his three seasons at Wisconsin,” Shaw wrote.