Big Ten Rosters: D-III Transfers Fill All 18 Conference Slots

McKena Ramos transferred from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to the University of Wisconsin-Madison after winning two national track titles in a single season. His move is part of a wider shift in college athletics, as every school in the Big Ten Conference now lists at least one Division III transfer on its roster.

Ramos arrived at UW-Oshkosh as a recruited track athlete, but his coaches did not expect him to reach the pinnacle of the sport so quickly. Eamon McKenna, who coaches track and cross-country at UW-Oshkosh, stated that the team knew Ramos was good but considered him a bit under the radar. Ramos set a personal condition before the indoor national meet: winning a title as a freshman would trigger a move to Division I. He won the indoor 800-meter and outdoor 1500-meter championships, then joined the Badgers.

The transfer to Madison has exposed Ramos to higher intensity and tougher competition. He noted that the biggest difference is the level of his peers, as everyone competes at his level or above. He also cited the travel schedule and the opportunity to compete on the highest stage as major draws. Since arriving, the senior from Sheboygan has contributed to both the Badgers' track and cross-country teams.

Ramos is not the only Division III athlete to make this jump in recent years. Two Badger football players have also transferred from Division III schools. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver, moved from UW-Whitewater after one year. Ryan Ramczyk dominated the offensive line at UW-Stevens Point before having an All-American season at Madison, which improved his standing on NFL Draft boards.

The move to Division I does not suit every athlete. Emma Paulson swam for UW-Madison as a freshman before concluding that top-level college competition was not the right fit. She transferred to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. Paulson said that while her times matched Division I standards, the culture aligned better with Division III. She described swimming in Division I as taking over her life, whereas Division III remains just a part of it.

Resource differences drive many of these decisions. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and generally maintain smaller facilities. Ramos pointed to specific amenities at Madison, such as ice baths and athletic training facilities, that were absent at Oshkosh. He also credited the tutoring provided at the Fetzer Center and the ability to take exams while traveling for his academic success. In contrast, Paulson stated that she is held to the same standards as non-athletes at St. Thomas and has no designated academic services.

Both athletes said they would make the same choice again. Ramos described competing for Madison as his dream since middle school. McKenna offered cautious advice to athletes in similar positions, noting that opportunities exist for those who stand out in Division III. He added that the key question is whether an athlete can replace whatever makes them dominant at their current school.