Wisconsin is competing with the top Big Ten schools for a priority outside linebacker.
The Wisconsin Badgers are a finalist for 2026 four-star outside linebacker Jackson Samuels-Ford, he announced on Tuesday.
Ford, a native of Pennsylvania, is down to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan in a loaded race for the outside linebacker. He visited each of the four schools over the past four weekends.
Ford will announce his commitment on Friday, having completed his official visits and evaluated his opportunities.
Wisconsin got a visit from the four-star back during the weekend of May 31st, hoping to make a strong early impression. Ford then headed to Penn State, his hometown school, before visiting Ohio State and Michigan over the last two weekends.
It was always going to be tough for Wisconsin to be the top school for the four-star, but they’ve pushed hard and are looking to get their first commitment at outside linebacker in the 2026 class.
Wisconsin had a commitment from jumbo outside linebacker Carmelow Reed, but he flipped to the Ole Miss Rebels after an official visit. They are also recruiting three-star Ben Duncum, who will announce his commitment on Wednesday.
The top schools for Ford appear to be Penn State and Michigan, but the final verdict will be announced on Friday.
If Wisconsin does not land Ford, they’ll likely look to evaluate their options and go after another outside linebacker in the class, regardless of Duncum’s decision.