Wisconsin starting center to enter NCAA transfer portal

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Wisconsin center Jake Renfro announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Thursday.

The multi-year starter joins a growing list of Badgers set to depart, along with wide receiver Trech Kekahuna, wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr., running back Cade Yacamelli, punter Atticus Bertrams, safety Remington Moss and wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson. The players can officially enter the portal when it opens on Jan. 2.

“I want to thank Coach (Luke) Fickell, the entire coaching and training staff, my teammates, and the University of Wisconsin for everything over the past three seasons,” Renfro wrote on X. “I am grateful for the support, development, friendships, and memories I have made during my time in Madison. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and use a medical hardship year to continue my college football journey. I will always appreciate my time as a Badger.”

Renfro began his career at Cincinnati, appearing in 20 games during his first two seasons in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He earned First-Team All-AAC honors in the 2021 season, helping to lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. The lineman then missed the entire 2022 season with an injury before transferring to Wisconsin.

Renfro sat behind starter Tanor Bortolini during his first year with the Badgers in 2023 before starting all 12 games for the team in 2024. He then saw only four games of action during an injury-riddled 2025 campaign.

The New Lenox, Illinois, native will look to play a seventh season of college football in 2026.

Offensive line is a major position of need for the Badgers, especially after the program’s recent coaching change at the position. Expect the overall position group, including center, to be near the top of the team’s transfer to-do list.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football center Jake Renfro NCAA transfer portal

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