The Wisconsin Badgers did their work in the transfer portal last week, landing three players who should be key rotational pieces in 2026.
The first addition was George Washington guard Trey Autry, who comes over with one year of eligibility left. The son of former Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry, the 6’4, 210-pound guard averaged 11.0 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, while shooting 38.5 percent from three.
Then came the commitment of Hofstra center Victory Onuetu, who was quite productive in the 17.9
minutes per game he played last season. Onuetu averaged 4.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks a game last season, while shooting 56.6 percent from the field. At 6’10, 235 pounds, he provides some extra rim protection and shot blocking for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin was also able to land prized wing Eian Elmer of Miami (OH), who was their top target in the transfer portal. Elmer, a 6’7, 215-pound wing, averaged 12.8 points and 5.9 rebounds last season, while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from three.
On Thursday, The Athletic’s CJ Moore, Sam Vecenie, and Jim Root dropped their updated transfer portal rankings, where former Badgers guard John Blackwell fell at No. 3 behind Kansas’s Flory Bidunga and Wake Forest’s Juke Harris.
But, interestingly, Elmer came in high on the list at No. 37.
“One of the best 3-and-D wings in the country, Elmer was a huge reason for Miami’s success this past season as they went unbeaten in the regular season before their Round of 64 loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament. Elmer was among the most efficient low-usage wings you’ll find in the country. He drilled 49.8 percent of his field goal attempts, 42.9 percent of his 3s and 76 percent of his foul shots, and has now made at least 40 percent of his 3s in each of his three collegiate seasons.
“On top of that, Elmer is a reliable, big-bodied defender at 215 pounds who slides his feet well enough to stay in front of his man and take on different matchups when required. Elmer is tough, efficient and reliable. He rebounds well and has even gotten some buzz from NBA scouts, who are interested in him because his game is so simplified. He’s projectable as a valuable player at any level of competition.”
The Athletic classified him as a high-major starter, which he’ll be for the Badgers in 2026. Elmer played a big role for the Redhawks this season, and could be tasked with an even bigger one at Wisconsin with the ball in his hands more often.
Add in the fact that he’s a capable defender, which is an area Wisconsin really looked to improve this offseason, and you get a complete player that could get NBA buzz next offseason.
Neither of Wisconsin’s other commitments cracked the top 100, but it’s pretty impressive to land a player of Elmer’s caliber when considering the competition.
