The Appeal Process
The Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball program has formally requested an additional year of eligibility for Gift Uchenna Okeke, a Nigerian forward who finished the 2025‑26 season as the team's leading rebounder.
Okeke's 6.9 boards per game topped the roster, but the numbers represent a dip from the double‑double she posted while playing for Southern Illinois, where she regularly combined double‑digit rebounds with a strong interior presence.
At 6‑foot‑3, she ranks as the second‑tallest player on the Badgers, trailing only sophomore Alie Bisballe, who stands at 6‑foot‑4. In addition to her work on the glass, Okeke contributed 9.1 points per game during the Madison stint, giving the team a versatile offensive option.
The appeal will be reviewed by the NCAA's eligibility committee, and a decision could allow Okeke to return for another season, a move that would bolster the Badgers' frontcourt depth heading into the next recruiting cycle.
Coach Mark Stewart, who has overseen the program's recent growth, has publicly expressed confidence that Okeke's blend of size, skill and work ethic will continue to pay dividends, but the final verdict rests with the governing body.