Every Big Ten roster now lists a Division III transfer

McKena Ramos transferred from UW-Oshkosh to UW-Madison after winning both the indoor 800-meter and outdoor 1500-meter national championships as a freshman. His move reflects a wider shift in college athletics, as every school in the Big Ten conference now lists at least one Division III transfer on a roster.

Ramos, a senior from Sheboygan, arrived at Oshkosh as a recruited track athlete. Eamon McKenna, the track and cross-country coach, recalled that the staff knew Ramos was talented but under the radar. McKenna said he did not expect the recruit to win a national title in his first year. Ramos stated that he made a personal bet that winning as a freshman would be enough reason to consider moving to Division I.

Since joining the Badgers, Ramos has contributed to both the track and cross-country teams. He said the higher level of competition and intensity have helped him improve his times. He noted that the travel and the opportunity to compete on a major stage are also strong draws for his decision.

Ramos is not the only athlete to make the jump. Two Badger football players have also transferred from Division III schools. Ricky Finco, a junior wide receiver who plays mainly on the scout team, came from UW-Whitewater. Ryan Ramczyk moved from UW-Stevens Point to Madison, where an All-American season on the offensive line improved his standing on NFL Draft boards.

The transition does not suit every athlete. Emma Paulson left UW-Madison’s swim team during her freshman season to return to the University of St. Thomas, a Division III school in Minnesota. She said the culture at St. Thomas was a better fit for her life. Paulson finished her career there with three individual national championships and nine individual All-American designations.

Resource differences drive many of these decisions. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and typically have smaller facilities than Division I institutions. Ramos credited Madison’s athletic training facilities, such as ice baths, and academic support at the Fetzer Center for his success. Paulson noted that at St. Thomas she is held to the same academic standards as non-athletes without designated support services.

Both athletes said they would make their choices again. Ramos said competing for Madison had been his dream since middle school. McKenna advised athletes that standing out in Division III creates opportunities, but the key factor is whether they can replace what made them dominant at their previous school.