Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman is reportedly planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal, as stated by On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The experienced player wrapped up an extensive six-season tenure with the Badgers, having originally joined the team as a three-star recruit in 2020, where he was ranked as the No. 1,310 overall player and the No. 90 outside linebacker in his recruiting class.
Zachman redshirted during his first year and did not see any action in 2021. However, he emerged as a valuable asset to the Badgers’ defense in 2022, contributing 11 tackles and an interception across six games before sustaining a season-ending injury. Following the arrival of head coach Luke Fickell at the end of the 2022 season, Zachman chose to remain with the program. His final two seasons turned out to be the most productive of his career, appearing in 25 games, starting 17, and accumulating a total of 107 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, four interceptions, and seven pass deflections.
Zachman seemed poised for a standout 2025 season, particularly after showcasing his talents with a two-interception performance in the opening win against Miami (Ohio). Unfortunately, a lower-body injury incurred during the Week 3 loss to Alabama cut his season short, leading him to pursue new opportunities for his seventh collegiate season.
He joins a significant number of Wisconsin players who are also set to depart, including notable names like tight end Tucker Ashcraft, running back Dilin Jones, wide receivers Eugene Hilton, Trech Kekahuna, and Joseph Griffin Jr., as well as cornerback Geimere Latimer, linebackers Christian Alliegro and Tackett Curtis, center Jake Renfro, running back Cade Yacamelli, and punter Atticus Bertrams.
As Wisconsin embarks on a crucial 2026 campaign, the coaching staff will be active in the transfer portal to help revitalize the roster in light of these departures. This period of transition could present new opportunities for both incoming and current players looking to make an impact on the field.