Ad Disclosure
Jayden Ballard, Ohio State transfer, shining in first spring at Wisconsin
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Former Ohio State wide receiver Jayden Ballard made the move from Columbus to Madison this offseason, joining Luke Fickell’s Wisconsin program in the transfer portal. Now, he’s making some splash plays for the Badgers this spring.
On Wednesday, Ballard balled out with 3 long receiving touchdowns during Wisconsin’s practice session. Former Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. delivered the throws with pinpoint accuracy, including one brilliant throw on the run to the back of the end zone.
The new teammates at Wisconsin showed fans a glimpse of what looks to be a budding connection poised to pay big dividends for the Badgers this fall. It would also be at a major position of need with Wisconsin struggling to deliver positive results at QB and receiver the past 2 seasons.
Talent was never an issue for Ballard coming out of high school. He was a 4-star prospect and a top-100 player nationally in the 2021 recruiting class, checking in as the 15th WR in the country per the 247 Sports Composite.
Unfortunately, Ballard’s 4 seasons in Columbus were overshadowed by some star-studded receivers. He was locked behind a group of stalwarts that included Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.
Every single one of those players is either in the NFL or undeniably bound to be a high draft pick this year or in the years to come. As a result, Ballard has just 11 catches for 177 yards in his career.
The potential, however, is ripe for Ballard’s time with the Badgers. Wisconsin lost Will Pauling, the team’s leader in receptions last season, via a transfer to Notre Dame, and Vinny Anthony II, the Badgers’ leader in receiving yards, had just 39 catches last season.
If Edwards and Ballard can build on their early chemistry, it could be a key connection for the Badger offense in the fall.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.