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Wisconsin linebacker Christian Bell is transferring to a Big Ten rival: Illinois.
The senior announced his decision via Twitter on Tuesday.
Thank you @LovieSmith and the rest of the staff for this opportunity. @IlliniFootball
— Christian Bell (@BELL_ringerr) March 10, 2020
#IlliniNation pic.twitter.com/hPNJX554GN
In Madison, Bell was an pass-rushing outside linebacker, and he’ll be asked to try to replace Oluwole Betiku Jr., who declared for the NFL Draft after one season in Champaign. Betiku notably was also a transfer into the Illini’s program, coming from USC.
Bell played 17 games over two seasons, redshirting the 2016 campaign. He was a four-star prospect, as ranked by ESPN, but only had four tackles and one sack with the Badgers.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound linebacker originally signed with Alabama out of high school in Hoover, Alabama, but transferred to Wisconsin.
Bell originally signed with Alabama as the No. 407 overall prospect in the Class of 2016. The Hoover (Ala.) native transferred to Wisconsin, but the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender totaled just eight tackles and 2.0 sacks over three seasons and 24 games with the Badgers.