Wisconsin is one of three programs with an official visit scheduled with Missouri State transfer tight end Lance Mason, according to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer. The Badgers are listed along with Cal and Oklahoma.
Wisconsin is looking to bolster its tight end position after projected starter and top winter transfer addition Tanner Koziol left for Houston. The program returns juniors Tucker Ashcraft and J.T. Seagreaves at the position, although the two have combined for just 25 receptions, 215 yards and two touchdowns over five combined collegiate seasons.
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Mason is in the portal after three years at Missouri State (Football Championship Subdivision). He registered limited production as a freshman and sophomore in 2022 and 2023, respectively, starting 17 games and totaling 22 receptions, 210 yards and two touchdowns.
The Rockwall, Texas, native then broke out as a junior in 2024, tallying 34 catches, 590 receiving yards, 17.4 yards per reception (team-high) and six touchdowns (team-high). That production earned him second-team all-conference honors, as well as ProFootballFocus’ top receiving grade of any tight end at the FCS level.
247Sports ranks the three-star transfer recruit as the No. 781 overall player in the portal and No. 39 tight end. As of April 18, he’s the fourth-highest-ranked uncommitted player at his position.
The Badgers appear to have significant competition to land Mason’s commitment. Oklahoma is amid one of the more impressive transfer cycles in the sport, with commitments from Washington State quarterback John Mateer, Cal running back Jaydn Ott, Florida State edge Marvin Jones Jr., Oklahoma State linebacker Kendal Daniels and others. The former Big 12 power is looking to take a major jump in its second season in the SEC and its fourth under head coach Brent Venables.
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Wisconsin, meanwhile, is looking for production from the tight end position that it’s lacked since Jake Ferguson left for the NFL after the 2021 season — no Badger tight end since Ferguson has surpassed 150 receiving yards in a season. The position was never a major factor in Phil Longo’s air raid offense. With new coordinator Jeff Grimes reinstalling a pro-style scheme, Mason wouldn’t have much trouble becoming a featured weapon.
For more on the Badgers’ spring transfer movement, both incoming and outgoing, bookmark our 2025 spring window tracker.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football transfer portal tight end Lance Mason visit
