Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Jack Robison has officially committed to North Dakota State, marking the first move among a group of departing players from the University of Wisconsin basketball program. Robison announced his decision via social media on April 15, 2026, opting to move his collegiate career to the Summit League.
The 6-foot-6 wing joins the Bison as the reigning Summit League champions, bringing with him two seasons of remaining eligibility. The move represents a strategic shift for Robison, who spent two seasons in Madison as a reserve player, seeking a role with more consistent floor time.
During his tenure with the Badgers, Robison saw limited action, totaling 23 career points across 48 minutes of play. Despite the modest statistics, he entered the portal as a versatile wing with a pedigree that includes being a three-star recruit out of Lakeville, Minnesota.
A New Chapter in the Summit League
For Robison, the decision to join North Dakota State is a pursuit of playing time and a chance to contribute to a championship-caliber program. Transitioning from the Big Ten to the Summit League often allows players to move from a reserve role to a primary rotation piece, provided they can adapt to the different pace and style of the mid-major circuit.
The move is a homecoming of sorts to the Upper Midwest. A native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Robison originally chose Wisconsin over scholarship offers from several other prominent programs, including Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Florida. His history with the Badgers is also tied to his former high school teammate, Nolan Winter, who has since become a key contributor in his first three seasons at UW.
By committing to the Bison, Robison enters a program with a strong recent trajectory. The Summit League is known for its competitive nature, and joining the defending champions provides Robison with a platform to showcase his skills in a high-stakes environment while utilizing his final two years of eligibility.
Wisconsin’s Transfer Portal Exodus
Robison’s departure is part of a larger roster shakeup for the Badgers. He is the first of four departing transfer portal players to announce a destination. The loss of these players creates a significant void in the Wisconsin frontcourt and backcourt that the coaching staff must now address through further portal acquisitions or incoming freshmen.
The remaining three players currently in the portal include reserve forward Riccardo Greppi, starting forward Aleksas Bieliauskas, and star guard John Blackwell. While Robison has found his landing spot, the others are still navigating their options, with Blackwell being the most sought-after prospect of the group.
Blackwell has already narrowed his list of potential destinations to a select group of elite programs. The star guard is currently considering offers from:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Duke
- Illinois
- Louisville
- UCLA
Comparing the Departures
The impact of these transfers varies based on the role the players held within the Badgers’ rotation. While Robison and Greppi provided depth, the departures of Bieliauskas and Blackwell represent a loss of starting-caliber talent and scoring production.
| Player | Position | Status | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Robison | Forward | Committed | North Dakota State |
| John Blackwell | Guard | Evaluating | TBD (Shortlist) |
| Aleksas Bieliauskas | Forward | In Portal | TBD |
| Riccardo Greppi | Forward | In Portal | TBD |
What So for Both Programs
For North Dakota State, adding a 6-foot-6 wing with Big Ten experience provides a boost in size and athleticism. Even with limited minutes at Wisconsin, the level of competition in the Big Ten serves as a rigorous training ground, and the Bison will look to leverage Robison’s developmental growth to maintain their dominance in the Summit League.
For Wisconsin, the exodus of four players highlights the volatility of the modern NCAA transfer portal. The loss of a starting forward and a star guard forces the program into a period of urgent recruitment. The focus for the Badgers will now be on finding replacements who can match the production of Blackwell and Bieliauskas before the next season begins.
The timeline for the remaining three transfers is expected to accelerate as the spring progresses. With the “deadline” for roster stability approaching, most players aim to have their commitments finalized before the start of summer workouts.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Wisconsin roster will be the official announcement of any new arrivals via the university’s athletic department, as the program seeks to offset these losses and rebuild its depth for the 2026-27 campaign.
We desire to hear from you. How do you consider these transfers will impact the Badgers’ outlook for next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
