MADISON, Wis. – Outside linebacker Leon Lowery’s transfer portal saga last December included one of the strangest Wisconsin football signings in recent program history. He pledged to the Badgers after visiting campus on a Sunday, fired him on Monday, briefly hired two NIL agents to handle his recruitment, fired those NIL agents the next day and reaffirmed his commitment to Wisconsin on Thursday.

As it turned out, this was the most memorable part of Lowery’s time at Wisconsin. He finished the season with 29 tackles, one sack and four quarterback hurries. He announced Sunday his intention to re-enter the transfer portal, which opens Dec. 9. Lowery has one season of eligibility remaining.

I plan to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Thank you, Wisconsin, for everything.

— Leon Lowery Jr. (@leonlowery5) December 1, 2024

Lowery previously spent four seasons at Syracuse, including a redshirt year during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. In 2023, he started in twelve games for the Orange, in which he recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 Sacks scored. But that production didn’t translate in Wisconsin. According to Pro Football Focus, he went from playing 523 snaps at Syracuse to 372 snaps at Wisconsin, despite starting 11 of 12 games for the Badgers.

Lowery spoke along The athlete on Sunday following his transfer announcement about why he decided to move on and his one season at Wisconsin.

Why did you decide to change?

There’s nothing bad about the program or anything. It’s just that they’re choosing a different direction for how they want to run the defense. I just feel like it doesn’t suit my playing style. We had a few conversations and came to the conclusion that it would probably be best for me to enter the portal, as I obviously want to do the best for myself in my remaining year. So nothing bad about the employees in Wisconsin. They’re all good people there. They all know what they’re doing. It was just a plan. I just decided to go in a different direction.

What exactly didn’t suit you here? Didn’t they want the same type of edge breakers?

It was more about sticking my hand in the dirt. I didn’t actually want to do that. Schematically it wouldn’t be the best for me. So I just decided to see what else was out there for me.

Have they talked about using you like they did this season outside of linebacker Darryl Peterson?

So similar.

Was a transfer something you thought about during the season?

I didn’t think about that during the season. I had some final interviews with some coaches and talked to them about a few things. It was something that just appeared. I actually planned to stay. But things happen. It’s a business. You just have to be able to adapt and adjust. They are all good coaches there. Nothing personal against these guys. Just something I feel is in my best interest.

Which Wisconsin coaches have you spoken to?

My position coach. Coach (Matt) Mitchell.

What was his message to you? Did it sound like Wisconsin wanted you to stay?

They wanted me to stay. They loved having me here. I just felt like the path they chose just didn’t suit me, so I decided it would be best for me to see what else was out there for me.

How would you describe what this season has been like for you?

It was fun. I enjoyed being mentored by my position coach. I had great times and built great bonds and relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime. I loved the program. I planned to stay. I like it here. But sometimes things happen and you have to be able to move on and adapt.

What impression do you have of the direction Wisconsin’s program is headed under Luke Fickell?

I have the feeling that they are in good hands with Coach Fick. He has a vision for the program. He has a good plan. Just sometimes things don’t go well with you. Since I still had a year left, I just wanted to have the best options for myself.

What are you looking for in your next school?

I liked how we played the original defense. I like to stand up and be on the edge. Something I have done throughout my football career since I played as a full-back. So I’m looking for something like that.

Why did they think you would be a good match for a down-to-earth guy?

I really couldn’t tell you. It’s just something that I think coach Fick wants to go in that direction.

What do you think you can offer your next school?

Experience. I am a student of the game, very intelligent. I understand things, formations. I give effort, attitude. I can be an all-round player. I have confidence and I’m humble and I hope I end up in the right place.

I know your portal process was very unusual at this point a year ago. Going back into it, do you feel like you learned something from that situation?

I definitely did that. Just trust God and my gut feeling. I make as many visits as possible to get a feel for the places. I’m just looking for the next step, keeping my faith in God and seeing what’s next for me.

Reporters had the opportunity to follow spring training and the first few weeks of preseason camp. You had some great practices. Did this season live up to your expectations in terms of what you had to offer?

No, I don’t feel like that was the case. But you live and learn. Keep going and get better. No, I don’t feel like it lived up to my expectations. I just have to do what’s best for me.

Do you attribute that to the way you’re used to it, or did it not work in Wisconsin?

A bit of both. But it’s nothing personal against the coaches. Just like the cookie crumbles. You gotta do what you gotta do.

What are you doing here? Are you graduating from Madison?

I’m still in Madison right now. I’m going to finish the semester that’s almost over. So I’ll do that and then move on.

How will you remember your year in Wisconsin?

The bonds I formed with my buddies and my leadership group, John Pius as my roommate. Darryl Peterson and Aaron Witt, those guys. Coach Mitch is a great coach. I will definitely remember these bonds. I’ll miss these guys, but you have to do what’s best for you.

(Photo: Mark Hoffman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)