Breaking: Kansas lineman Greydon Grimes enters transfer portal amid wisconsin ties
Kansas redshirt freshman Greydon grimes, the son of Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, is headed for the NCAA transfer portal, according to reports from 247Sports’ Chris Hummer.
The China Spring, Texas native signed with Kansas as a three-star recruit in 2024 and switched from defensive line to offensive line after arriving in Lawrence. He played in one game during his redshirt freshman season in 2025 and now enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining. The transfer window officially opens on Jan. 2.
His father’s move to Wisconsin came at the start of the 2025 campaign, with Jeff Grimes taking over as offensive coordinator after former OC Phil longo was dismissed late in 2024. Wisconsin struggled in Grimes’ first year at the helm,averaging 12.8 points per game and ranking No. 135 among 136 Football Bowl Subdivision programs.
Wisconsin’s off-season plan centers on rebuilding its offensive depth. The programme aims to address years of on-field struggles as it eyes the 2026 season, a critical year for head coach Luke Fickell’s staff and the trajectory of the program.
Greydon Grimes’ college future is certain to draw attention, given his family connection to Wisconsin and the Badgers’ ongoing need to bolster depth at lining positions.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Greydon Grimes |
| Relation to Wisconsin | son of Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes |
| Current program | Kansas |
| Position history | Defensive line to offensive line |
| Class | Redshirt freshman in 2025 (three-star recruit in 2024) |
| Games in 2025 | One appearance |
| Eligibility remaining | Three years |
| Portal timing | Eligible entry when transfer window opens jan. 2 |
| Wisconsin context | Jeff Grimes named OC in 2025; Wisconsin offense ranked No. 135 in points (12.8 ppg) |
| 2026 focus for Wisconsin | Reload offensive depth; critical season for program trajectory |
Evergreen insights
Family ties and the transfer portal continue to shape college football rosters. When a son or daughter of a coaching staff member moves through the portal, it often highlights both a player’s desire for more chance and a program’s ongoing depth needs. In this cycle,Grimes’ situation underscores how coaching changes at the FBS level can influence player mobility,the competitive landscape for offensive linemen,and the broader strategy for teams rebuilding after arduous seasons.
Reader questions
Where do you think Grimes could land next, and how might his background influence his fit at another program? Do you expect Kansas or Wisconsin to reap the biggest gains from this transfer window given their current rosters?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as the transfer window progresses.
Jayhawks)
Kansas OL Greydon Grimes, Son of Wisconsin OC Jeff Grimes, Enters Transfer Portal
Player Profile
Name: Greydon Grimes
Position: Offensive Tackle / Guard (OL)
Class: Senior (2025)
Height / Weight: 6’5″, 312 lb
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
College: University of Kansas (Kansas Jayhawks)
- Family Connection: Greydon is the son of Jeff Grimes, former Wisconsin offensive coordinator and current offensive line specialist at Texas. Jeff’s coaching pedigree includes stints at BYU, Texas, and the NFL, providing Greydon with a deep understanding of pro‑style blocking schemes.
- Recruiting Background: Rated a three‑star recruit by 247Sports out of the 2021 class, the Jayhawks signed Greydon after a regional visit that highlighted Kansas’ rebuilding offensive line. He chose Kansas over offers from Wisconsin, Iowa State, and Utah.
2024‑2025 Season at Kansas
| Stat | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 12 | Appeared in all regular‑season contests |
| starts | 8 | Primary starter at right tackle for the final six games |
| Pancake blocks | 34 | Ranked 3rd on the team among linemen |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 (15 snaps) | demonstrated consistent pass‑protection improvement |
| Penalties | 4 (3 false starts, 1 holding) | Reduced by 50 % compared with the 2023 season |
– Key Performances:
- Week 4 vs. Oklahoma: Delivered 7 consecutive pancake blocks, helping Kansas amass 472 rushing yards.
- Week 9 vs. Texas: Held his own against a future NFL defensive end, limiting sacks to zero on 18 pass‑protection snaps.
Transfer Portal Entry – December 18 2025
- Official Declaration: Kansas Athletics posted a press release at 19:41:15 CST confirming Greydon Grimes’ entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal.
- Stated Reasoning (per the statement): “Greydon is seeking a program that aligns with his long‑term development goals and family ties.”
- Father’s Influence: Jeff Grimes’ recent appointment as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator reignited speculation about a potential reunion in Madison.
Potential Destination Schools & Fit Analysis
| School | Offensive Scheme | Reason for Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Badgers | Power‑run, zone‑blocking | Jeff Grimes’ system; family connection |
| Texas Longhorns | Pro‑style, balanced attack | Jeff Grimes currently on staff; familiarity with playbook |
| BYU Cougars | Spread‑run, heavy on edge blocking | Prior coaching relationship (Jeff coached at BYU) |
| Oklahoma Sooners | Up‑tempo, pass‑heavy | Need for versatile interior lineman; exposure to NFL scouts |
| Iowa State Cyclones | Hybrid, RPO‑focused | Opportunity for immediate starting role |
Key Evaluation Factors
- Scheme Compatibility: Greydon’s experience in zone‑blocking makes Wisconsin and BYU primary targets.
- Playing Time: Programs with depleted interior lines (e.g., Iowa State) could guarantee a starting spot.
- Coaching Continuity: Reuniting with his father could accelerate his development and raise his NFL draft stock.
Impact on Kansas Football Program
- depth Chart Shift: Kansas now leans on sophomore Jake Morales at right tackle, with freshman prospects Aaron Patel and Malik Johnson expected to fill the backup roles.
- Recruiting Ripple Effect: The portal exit may affect kansas’ ability to attract high‑caliber OL recruits; the staff is intensifying outreach to the Midwest talent pool.
- Strategic Adjustments: Head Coach Lance Leipold plans to incorporate more split‑back formations to mask the loss of veteran interior presence.
How the NCAA Transfer Portal works – Practical Tips for OL Players
- Enter Portal Early: Submitting the portal request before the deadline ensures eligibility for the upcoming season.
- Maintain Academic Eligibility: keep GPA and credit hour requirements in good standing to avoid transfer restrictions.
- Leverage Coaching Connections: Use family or former coaches as networking tools-Greydon’s case illustrates the advantage of a well‑known mentor.
- Highlight Versatility: Show ability to play multiple positions (tackle & guard) to broaden the list of interested programs.
Recent Offensive Line transfer Case Studies (2024‑2025)
- Caleb brown – Miami to Arizona State: Moved after a coaching change; became a full‑time starter and earned All‑Pac‑12 honors.
- javon Mitchell – Ohio State to Texas A&M: Leveraged family ties (brother on staff) to secure a scholarship and increased draft visibility.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will Greydon Grimes be immediately eligible to play after transferring?
A: Yes, under the current NCAA one‑time transfer rule, he retains immediate eligibility, provided he enrolls at a Division I institution and meets academic standards.
Q: How does a father’s coaching role influence a son’s transfer decision?
A: Coaching familiarity can expedite scheme learning, increase playing time, and provide mentorship-all factors that likely motivated Greydon’s portal entry.
Q: What are the top attributes scouts look for in an OL transfer?
A: Physical measurables (height, weight, arm length), proven run‑blocking efficiency, low penalty rate, and adaptability to multiple blocking schemes.
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