Wisconsin transfer offensive lineman James Durand announced his commitment to Western Illinois on Wednesday.
The former Badger is one of 24 scholarship players to enter the transfer portal, pending Xavier Lucas’ departure. Durand is the 20th to announce his new destination.
Related: Recapping Wisconsin football’s winter transfer portal movement
Durand joined the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2023. He was No. 356 in the class, No. 20 among interior offensive lineman and No. 7 from his home state of Arizona. He committed to the program in May 2022 when Paul Chryst was still at the helm.
The Chandler, Arizona, native elected to stay in the class after Luke Fickell’s hire in November 2022. Now two years later, Durand is part of a majority of Fickell’s class of 2023 that has transferred. The only players who remain from the class are wide receiver Trech Kekahun