Veteran Wisconsin Badgers Center Jake Renfro Enters Transfer Portal for Seventh Season

Wisconsin Badgers center Jake Renfro is entering the transfer portal. He made the announcement on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This move comes after he received a medical hardship waiver for an additional season.

The lineman will have one final year of eligibility in 2026. His decision concludes a lengthy tenure with head coach Luke Fickell. It also opens a major hole in the middle of Wisconsin’s offensive line.

Injury-Plagued Career Leads to Eligibility Extension

Renfro was a consistent force for Wisconsin when healthy. He started all 12 games during the 2024 season. His performance solidified the offensive front.

Injuries severely limited his 2025 campaign, however. He suffered a knee injury in the season opener. A subsequent injury against Alabama caused him to miss more time.

He ultimately played only 225 snaps across four games. This limited participation qualified him for the medical hardship waiver. According to widespread college football reports, the waiver was recently approved.

His history with injuries is extensive. Renfro missed the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons due to health issues. His resilience in returning to start multiple games was noted by team officials.

A New Chapter After Following Fickell from Cincinnati

Jake Renfro’s collegiate journey began at the University of Cincinnati in 2020. He played for Luke Fickell there before both moved to Wisconsin in 2023. This portal entry marks his first potential move to a different head coach.

For the Badgers, the search for a new starting center begins immediately. The program was prepared for his departure via graduation. The transfer portal route creates the same roster need a different way.

The market for an experienced, proven center will be competitive. Renfro’s availability will attract significant interest from programs seeking veteran leadership. His final season will be a valuable opportunity for both player and new team.

Jake Renfro’s transfer portal entry ends a key era for the Badgers’ offensive line. His pursuit of a seventh season elsewhere is a notable college football storyline. This move reshapes the roster for Wisconsin and provides a fresh start for the veteran.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is a medical hardship waiver?

It’s an NCAA provision granting an extra year of eligibility. Players must have a season-ending injury early in the year. They also must not have participated in more than a limited number of games.

How many games did Jake Renfro play in 2025?

He played in four total games for the Badgers. He started against Miami (OH), Alabama, Iowa, and Ohio State. A knee injury required season-ending surgery.

Where did Renfro play before Wisconsin?

He began his college football career at Cincinnati. He played there for three seasons from 2020 to 2022. He followed coach Luke Fickell to Madison in 2023.

Who will replace Renfro as Wisconsin’s center?

The Badgers will now look to their roster or the transfer portal. Developing a new starter will be a priority for the offensive line coach. This creates a key competition during spring practices.