Elijhah Badger transfer portal: 5 landing spots for the ASU transfer WR ft. Alabama
After Arizona State QB Jaden Rashada entered the portal, his top target, Elijhah Badger followed suit. Badger, a senior transfer, has been outstanding and should be an immediate play option for a top team. Given his chemistry with Rashada, teams pursuing the quarterback may also target Badger.
Over the past two seasons, Badger has caught 135 passes for 1,579 yards and ten touchdowns. He also returned kickoffs for 28.9 yards per return last season. Badger has also scored three rushing touchdowns in his ASU career. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver was a four-star recruit from California in high school.
Ultimately, Elijhah Badger's transfer portal destinations will likely include some of the top schools in college football. Here are the top five Elijhah Badger transfer portal landing spots.
Top 5 Elijhah Badger transfer portal landing spots
5. Michigan
The Wolverines are fresh off a national championship, but new head coach Sherrone Moore won't just rest on Jim Harbaugh's laurels. One spot where the Wolverines do have some needs to fill is the passing game. QB JJ McCarthy is gone, and top receivers Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson are both in the NFL Draft.
Badger would be a clear and immediate WR1 for the Wolverines in 2024. As a one-year player, he won't be waiting for a competitive team. It's not a natural geographic fit, but putting Badger with the defending champions is a competitive fit. A day-one starting job for a national title contender could impress Badger enough for Michigan to gain control of the Elijhah Badger transfer portal contest.
4. Arizona
The Wildcats could be an easy sale for Badger. After all, he can stay close to his west coach roots and even stay within the state of Arizona. Arizona offensive coordinator Brent Brennan recruited Badger during the former's days at San Jose State. He could boost the Wildcats' chances in the Big 12.
Badger and returning 1,000-yard receiver Tetairoa McMillan would make an instantly explosive offense. A season ago, Arizona threw for over 4,000 yards. With QB Noah Fifita back, the Wildcats could keep rolling even more in 2024. The convenience of a short move may be attractive to Badger, as could the chance to be on a Big 12 contender in 2024.
3. Miami
The Hurricanes could make a strong pitch for Badger, likely along with Rashada. Mario Cristobal needs some juice for his offense, and given Rashada's own familiarity with the state of Florida, he could be the middleman in nabbing Badger. Miami was 7-6 a year ago and Cristobal could be eyeing a move up the football ladder.
Badger would team well with returning wideout Xavier Restrepo. A Miami offense with Restrepo and Badger could well end up with a pair of 1,000-yard receivers. Most teams recruiting Badger lack a true WR1, but Miami could be the exception. That could attract Badger and keep the Hurricanes involved in the Elijhah Badger transfer portal competition.
2. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is one of two schools that have already been linked with Badger in the media. The Aggies, under coach Mike Elko, are looking for a veteran jump-start to their offense. Top receiver Ainias Smith is out of eligibility, so the Aggies are in the market for a new WR1.
For Badger, the Aggies seem like a team where he could play from day one. His experience and skills set him apart from A&M's inexperienced or underproductive options. Given the public linking of A&M and Badger, expect the Aggies to make a strong pitch to come out on top in the Elijhah Badger transfer portal battle.
1. Alabama
The Tide have gone to a pass-heavy attack under new coach Kalen DeBoer. The transition hasn't necessarily been the smoothest as Alabama lost several top pass catchers to the NFL Draft. Between the lack of returning stars and the increased focus on the passing game, Alabama could be a prime opportunity.
Badger has two seasons under his belt as a top-receiving threat. His combination of size and ball skills makes him a versatile target for the Tide. Alabama is one of two schools linked in the media with Badger, and the Tide remains a possible winner in the Elijhah Badger transfer portal derby.
Will Alabama end up with Badger? We'd love to hear your take below in our comments section!