The Wisconsin Badgers have gotten a commitment from Appalachian State defensive lineman DeNigel Cooper, he announced on Friday evening.
Cooper, a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024, was a redshirt freshman for Appalachian State this season, posting 23 tackles, a tackle for loss, and 0.5 sacks in 2025 as he saw a bigger role. He has three years of remaining eligibility at Wisconsin.
The Badgers had to revamp their defensive line this offseason after losing their top four rotational players to eligibility.
Ben Barten, Parker Petersen, Jay’Viar Suggs, and Brandon Lane Jr. are all gone up front, so Wisconsin went out and landed West Virginia transfer Hammond Russell, Buffalo transfer Junior Poyser, and Illinois State transfer Jake Anderson to beef up the room.
They also retained Charles Perkins after he entered the transfer portal shortly, and now have likely rounded out the room with the addition of Cooper, who stands 6’3, 260 pounds.
The Badgers have looked to run six deep at defensive line to preserve freshness during games and throughout the season. That group could also include rising junior Dillan Johnson, who is poised for more reps this offseason.
Cooper is the 29th player to commit to the Badgers this offseason from the transfer portal.
