In a surprising and controversial twist, former Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Braeden Carrington has officially withdrawn from his transfer commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers, just weeks after announcing his intention to join the program for the 2025–26 season. The abrupt decision has sparked confusion and debate within college basketball circles, with sources citing alleged miscommunication surrounding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) expectations and internal tensions between the coaching staff and the player’s representation.
Carrington, a 6-foot-4 junior and former Minnesota Mr. Basketball, entered the transfer portal earlier this spring after a strong sophomore campaign in which he averaged 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and shot 39% from three-point range. His commitment to Wisconsin in early April was considered a major recruiting win for head coach Greg Gard, who has been rebuilding the Badgers’ backcourt following several offseason departures.
However, that excitement was short-lived.
On Sunday afternoon, Carrington’s camp released a brief but pointed statement via his social media channels, confirming that he would be re-opening his recruitment and no longer enrolling at the University of Wisconsin.
“After careful consideration and conversations with my family and advisors, I have decided to withdraw my commitment to Wisconsin,” Carrington wrote. “I appreciate the opportunity, but I believe this is not the right fit for me moving forward. I’m excited to explore other options and continue my journey elsewhere.”
While the official statement avoided specifics, multiple sources close to the situation revealed that Carrington and Wisconsin officials had clashed over NIL deal structures and a lack of clarity regarding off-court opportunities promised during the recruitment process. One source familiar with the talks said that Carrington’s camp felt “misled” about the magnitude and timeline of NIL endorsements tied to his transfer.
“The expectations set during recruitment just didn’t match the reality once paperwork started moving,” the source said. “There was a breakdown in communication, and unfortunately it couldn’t be resolved.”
The fallout comes at a time when college programs across the country are navigating the evolving — and often murky — world of NIL agreements. While many schools have embraced the new era of athlete compensation, a lack of standardized regulation has led to confusion, unmet expectations, and now, in Wisconsin’s case, a high-profile decommitment.
Head coach Greg Gard briefly addressed the situation in a press conference Monday morning.
“We wish Braeden nothing but the best,” Gard said. “Sometimes things don’t work out the way you hope, and we respect his decision. We’re going to continue building with players who are excited to be here and committed to our culture.”
The news has sent waves through the Wisconsin basketball fan base, with some supporters blaming the program for poor handling of the situation, while others criticized the increasing role of NIL in transfer decisions. Local sports radio shows lit up with callers debating whether this signals a larger issue with Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the modern recruiting landscape.
Carrington’s withdrawal leaves a noticeable gap in the Badgers’ plans for next season. The team was hoping to pair him with returning sophomore point guard John Blackwell to form one of the Big Ten’s more athletic and versatile backcourts. Now, Gard and his staff may have to re-enter the transfer portal or turn to unproven freshmen to fill the void.
As for Carrington, several programs — including Iowa State, Xavier, and Seton Hall — are reportedly reaching out as he re-enters the transfer market. Wherever he lands, the saga serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly the business side of college basketball can reshape careers and shake up rosters.
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