Former Wisconsin safety Kamo’i Latu committed to UConn earlier this week.
Latu entered the portal on Dec. 12 after three years with the program. He joins the Huskies for a final season of eligibility.
Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker
Latu transferred to Wisconsin entering 2022 after several years at Utah. He started for the Badgers that season, totaling 55 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and three pass deflections.
The veteran safety then played only 14 games over the next two years — those seasons following the program’s hire of new head coach Luke Fickell. Latu suited up for just three contests in an injury-plagued 2024 campaign.
He joins a UConn program that has become a popular destination for former Wisconsin transfers. Both Nick Evers and Skyler Bell transferred in after the 2023 season. Bell went on to have a career year with the Huskies, helping lead the team to a program-best 8-4 season and Fenway Bowl appearance.
Nuff said! Hawai’i boys ready for action👊🏾 #LL22 💙@CoachDHilliard 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/TGZaxMMuPj
— KaMō’ī LaTu (@15Latu) December 23, 2024
Wisconsin will enter 2025 with Preston Zachman as its primary starting safety and an opening at the other spot. Transfers Matthew Traynor (Richmond) and Matt Jung (Bethel) both figure to compete for the share of snaps.
The position is one of several on Wisconsin’s roster that saw its depth decimated by this current portal window. In addition to Latu, the Badgers saw redshirt freshmen Justin Taylor and Braedyn Moore transfer out.
Latu’s commitment timeline added intrigue on Monday as he specifically thanked both Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard for his time at Wisconsin — two coaches who have not been with the program since 2022. There was no mention of the Badgers’ current staff.
“Huge shoutout to Paul Chryst and Jim Leonard staff for an amazing time at Wisconsin,” Latu posted on X. “Wisconsin will always have a special place in my heart!”
Huge shoutout to Paul Chryst and Jim Leonard staff for an amazing time at Wisconsin! Wisconsin will always have a special place in my heart!
Mo’iBoy out 🤙🏾
— KaMō’ī LaTu (@15Latu) December 23, 2024
Latu is one of 10 former Badgers to announce a transfer destination. For where every departing transfer ends up, bookmark our transfer departure tracker.
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