Russell Wilson To Transfer To Wisconsin, University Comfirms

Russell Wilson’s decision to transfer to Wisconsin immediately makes the Badgers one of the strongest contenders for a title and the concordant BCS berth in 2011’s new-look Big Ten. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, whose team fell to TCU in the 2011 Rose Bowl, is understandably excited about that prospect.

Bielema talked to a radio station in Madison about Wilson’s recruitment and the Badgers’ chances with him. The recruitment itself seems like a tale of working around a restrictive NCAA rulebook after Bielema did “recon” on the Internet to familiarize himself with the former N.C. State star.

“Russell will come in and compete for the starting quarterback position,” Bielema said. “This is an unusual situation, especially for a program that prides itself on developing players throughout their careers, as we do here at Wisconsin. However, this is a special situation and Russell is the type of player and person that fits very well with our team.”

Needless to say, this is a huge get for Wisconsin. Boasting a talented running game and an improved defense, the only glaring hole in Wisconsin’s quest to return to the Rose Bowl was the lack of a reliable quarterback. Not only is Wilson reliable, but he is arguably one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever potentially take a snap for the Badgers.And our N.C. State community, to their everlasting credit, continues to wish the kid well: “Good luck in Wisconsin, Russell. This is going to be really weird. Never let it be said that you don’t like a challenge.”

For more on this story, check out SB Nation’s Wisconsin Badgers blog, Bucky’s 5th Quarter.

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Public confirmation or not, Wilson’s consideration of the Badgers and the Tigers hasn’t really been a secret. The Rockies organization is apparently pitching Wilson pretty hard, though, to remain with Colorado and follow his baseball career.

In about a week, we’ll know which sport and perhaps which school made the better case.

Former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson might be the next Cam Newton -- in that he’s taking over as likely starting quarterback at a school ranked No. 15-25 after an interesting journey capped off by a transfer. But he will not be the next Cam Newton by taking over at Auburn, because Wilson is reportedly headed to Wisconsin to play for the Badgers, according to Keith Arnold.

Auburn is the first school that Wilson has visited, but he is also reportedly interested in joining Wisconsin. Auburn needs a replacement for 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton.

However, Wilson’s baseball career complicates things--or is it that his football career complicates baseball? Wilson received a $250,000 signing bonus after being a Colorado Rockies fourth round draft pick in 2010. He would, the Citizen-Times reports, need to return a significant portion of it should he return to football. Not making things easier for the Rockies, Wilson would miss the final month of the season.