The Badgers are jumping out early for a junior in-state offensive lineman.
The Wisconsin Badgers became the first Big Ten school and second school overall to offer 2026 in-state offensive lineman James Thomas, who came to Madison on a visit recently.
I am very honored to receive an offer from @BadgerFootball!! Thank you to coach @CoachBlaz, @CaseyRabach_61 and the entire coaching staff for the offer #GoBadgers @MJ_NFLDraft @PrepRedzoneWI @travisWSN @PaarJoel #wisfb pic.twitter.com/DswQ1Prhq5
— James Thomas (@liljamearl) April 6, 2024
Thomas, arguably the top player in Wisconsin in the Class of 2026, secured an offer from offensive line coach A.J. Blazek following his visit, as the Badgers decided to jump in early for the in-state prospect.
How did the visit go for the 6’4, 300-pounder?
“The visit went excellent, exceeding my expectations,” Thomas shared with Bucky’s 5th Quarter. “What stood out was the amount of care put into the experience.
“The day was amazing full of new things to see and learn about the team, and [it was a] great opportunity to get to know more about the coaches.”
Thomas got a great first impression of the coaching staff, with Blazek standing out with his energy.
The offensive lineman visited Arkansas, the other team to offer him, this past weekend, and is expecting to return to Madison at some point, potentially even in the summer, as the two sides grow their relationship.
Thomas is now the first and only in-state prospect in the Class of 2026 that Wisconsin has offered thus far.