Former Wisconsin football transfer target Mikai Gbayor plans to reenter portal, as first reported by On3.
Gbayor originally transferred this winter after four years at Nebraska. The Badgers were reportedly among the group programs pursuing the linebacker before he committed to Missouri on Dec. 16.
Missouri beat writer Eli Hoff reports that the veteran's path to playing time with the Tigers changed after his arrival, initiating what will be his second transfer in five months. Gbayor can officially enter the portal when the spring window opens on April 16.
Gbayor originally committed to Nebraska as a three-star recruit in the class of 2021, ranked as the No. 613 player in the country, No. 68 linebacker and No. 11 recruit from New Jersey. He did not see game action during his first two years with the program. 2023 was the linebacker's breakthrough campaign, as he appeared in all 12 games and tallied 24 tackles, three for loss and 1/2 sack. He backed that performance up with a strong 2024 season as one of the Cornhuskers' starting linebackers, totaling 49 tackles, six for loss, one sack, three pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.
Gbayor is already set for a transfer visit to North Carolina, according to 247Sports. It is yet to be seen if Wisconsin will reenter his recruitment.
BREAKING: Missouri LB Mikai Gbayor plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 10, 2025
The 6’2 230 LB totaled 73 Tackles, 9 TFL, 3 PD, & 1.5 Sacks (2 seasons)
Transferred in from Nebraska in December
Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/oz02CNJVulpic.twitter.com/GvMVfODL6H
The Badgers added Western Carolina linebacker Antarron Turner during the winter transfer window. The team made top-down changes along the defensive front, with four new linemen and three pass-rushers. It still may have a need at second-level linebacker, however, without a clear second starter next to Christian Alliegro. Former USC transfer Tackett Curtis is the current favorite to win the job.
Wisconsin's spring transfer movement, both into and out of the program, will be worth watching as the team prepares for a critical 2025 season.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football transfer target Mikai Gbayor reenters portal
