Wisconsin defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. signed with Illinois on Wednesday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Thompson is the 12th Wisconsin transfer to find a new destination. He is the third former Badger, all three defensive starters, to sign with the Fighting Illini, joining defensive tackle Curt Neal and outside linebacker Leon Lowery
Thompson entered the transfer portal earlier this month after five years with the Badgers. He originally joined the program as a three-star recruit in the class of 2020.
The veteran tackle emerged as a primary force on the Badgers’ defensive front in 2022, totaling 23 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks. He backed that up with a strong 2023 campaign: 29 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass deflections. Thompson missed the majority of the 2024 campaign due to a torn pectoral muscle suffered in training camp. He returned to play seven snaps in the Badgers’ Week 13 loss at Nebraska, but did not see the field during their season finale against Minnesota.