The Wisconsin football team has faced a setback with the transfer portal, yet it hasn't been as severe as that experienced by Marshall. The Thundering Herd's decision to withdraw from the Independence Bowl against Army this month has sent ripples through the college football landscape. With a coaching change and the loss of over 20 players, Marshall's situation is particularly concerning. NCAA officials are now working hard to find a replacement among the teams that finished 5-7 this past year, as the 6-6 teams are already committed to postseason games.

Unraveling the Transfer Portal's Effect on Football Programs

Wisconsin's Struggle After the Transfer Portal

The Badgers saw their long-standing streak of qualifying for a bowl game come to an end with a loss to Minnesota. Head coach Luke Fickell has had to deal with the departure of his starting quarterback and several other key players. However, Wisconsin remains in the mix of 5-7 teams vying for a potential bowl opportunity. The NCAA has indicated that they are determining the next in line through the Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Wisconsin finished tied for seventh in 2022-23. This shows that the team has maintained a certain level of academic excellence despite the transfer turmoil.The loss of players has undoubtedly affected Wisconsin's on-field performance and team dynamics. But the coaching staff is working hard to rebuild and find suitable replacements. They are focusing on maintaining the team's spirit and ensuring that the players who remain are committed to achieving success.

Marshall's Decision and Its Implications

Marshall's decision to opt out of the Independence Bowl after seeing multiple players enter the transfer portal has raised questions about the program's future. The Thundering Herd's coaching change and the significant number of player departures have left them in a vulnerable position.This decision not only affects Marshall's bowl game but also has implications for the NCAA's postseason plans. With the need to find a replacement team, officials are looking at the APR scores of 5-7 teams. Marshall's loss of over 25 players through the transfer portal further complicates the situation.It remains to be seen how Marshall will recover from this setback and rebuild their team. The coaching staff will need to work quickly to identify new talent and instill confidence in the remaining players.

Potential Replacements and the Bowl Game

After Marshall's withdrawal, Louisiana Tech was tabbed to replace them and face Army in the Independence Bowl. Louisiana Tech was one of the handful of 5-7 teams that qualified for this opportunity. The game will take place in Shreveport, Louisiana, which is conveniently close to Ruston, where Louisiana Tech is located.This replacement provides an interesting matchup and an opportunity for Louisiana Tech to showcase their skills. The team will need to prepare well and make the most of this chance to prove themselves on the national stage.For the NCAA, finding a suitable replacement has been a challenging task. They are balancing the need for a competitive bowl game with the academic standards set by the APR. The selection process has required careful consideration of various factors to ensure a fair and meaningful postseason experience.In conclusion, the transfer portal has had a significant impact on both Wisconsin and Marshall football teams. While Wisconsin is working to recover and move forward, Marshall faces a more difficult road ahead. The bowl game and the search for replacements will continue to unfold, and it will be interesting to see how these teams adapt and perform in the coming months.