Small school All-American sure to be a hot commodity in the NCAA Transfer Portal, and get a dynamic defender instantly
Going into the 2024 college football season, there may not have been a more underrated defensive player nationally than North Dakota State safety Cole Wisniewski. The 6-4, 217-pound defender was coming off of a dominant 2023 campaign, leading the Bison with 92 total tackles, eight interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. That season was enough to […]
Going into the 2024 college football season, there may not have been a more underrated defensive player nationally than North Dakota State safety Cole Wisniewski. The 6-4, 217-pound defender was coming off of a dominant 2023 campaign, leading the Bison with 92 total tackles, eight interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. That season was enough to earn All-American honors.
Unfortunately, Wisniewski’s season was derailed before it ever even began. A foot injury cost him the entirety of the 2024 season, and his future was up in the air. Wisniewski made a decision on Monday, not only to return to school next season, but to enter his name in the transfer portal.
Now that Wisniewski is officially in the portal, he becomes one of the more intriguing defenders who will be on the market. You don’t often see safeties of his size, and especially those who also have the ball skills to make plays from depth. Add in that Wisniewski is a tremendous open field tackler, and you have an easy sell for a prospective team.
With his frame, and the NFL potentially viewing Wisniewski as more of a second level defender, it will be interesting if the demand for him comes mostly at linebacker. In all honesty, that might be the best route for him. That can allow Wisniewski to get into a good strength program, and fill out his frame. Getting that experience on the second level would be huge before he gets to the league.
With Wisniewski being a Midwestern guy, the Big Ten feels like a natural choice for him for his next stop. He is originally from Wisconsin, and it will be interesting to see if a program like the Badgers, Iowa, or Minnesota have heavy interest. Each will have a clear need at linebacker for next season.
Regardless, a team is sure to get a really talented, and versatile defender this offseason. His experience will be valued, as will his playmaking upside. Wisniewski is certainly someone to keep a close eye on.
