Wisconsin starting inside linebacker to enter NCAA transfer portal

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Wisconsin inside linebacker Christian Alliegro plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Alliegro would join a growing list of Badgers set to depart. That group includes former two-deep members center Jake Renfro, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna, wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr., running back Cade Yacamelli, and punter Atticus Bertrams, among others.

Alliegro joined the Badgers as a three-star recruit in the class of 2023, signing on after the program’s hire of Luke Fickell in November of 2022. The Avon, Connecticut, native saw time on special teams as a true freshman in 2023. He then emerged as a key starter in 2024, totaling 66 tackles, five for loss, three sacks and one pass deflection.

The veteran again contributed as a key member of Wisconsin’s linebacker corps in 2025, finishing the year with 53 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks and one pass deflection. Some of that production came as he played through a broken hand he suffered during the team’s loss to Ohio State on Oct. 18.

Looking ahead to 2026, emerging stars Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano are likely to start for the team at inside linebacker. Alliegro’s departure all but confirms that as the case.

Wisconsin can begin to address its list of transfer needs when the portal officially opens in early January.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football linebacker Christian Alliegro NCAA transfer portal

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos