The Badgers landed three commitments on Sunday. What do they each mean for the program?
The Wisconsin Badgers kicked off official visits with a bang, nabbing three commitments on Sunday: three-star linebacker Ben Wenzel, and three-star defensive linemen Arthur Scott and Djidjou Bah.
Those three additions gave Wisconsin 10 commits in the 2026 class, getting them to No. 37 in the nation, according to both 247Sports and Rivals.
It was expected to be a good weekend in Madison, as the Badgers were looking to close on several priority targets, including the three above. But, Wisconsin made that a reality on Sunday, adding buzz to their program while making use of that important first weekend to set the foundation of their 2026 recruiting class.
Let’s break down the three commitments and what each means for Wisconsin’s program going forward.
Arthur Scott
Arthur Scott was the team’s first commitment, and it was an expected one. The Ohio defensive lineman didn’t have elite competition, with Rutgers, Michigan State, and Cincinnati all expecting official visits. Wisconsin got the job done here, getting Scott to commit after his first weekend and securing a big need on the defensive line in the class.
The Badgers had struck out on a few of their interior defensive line options already, namely Jake Johnson and King Liggins. But, they landed the 6’3, 290-pound Scott, who will be a player to watch at the 3-tech or at nose tackle.
Scott’s recruitment blew up late in the cycle. He got offers from Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Michigan State in May itself. So, the Badgers had a big opportunity to make an impression in a wide-open recruitment, which they clearly did.
It’s notable that Scott is the lone interior defensive lineman currently in the class. They landed Torin Pettaway, Xavier Ukponu, and Drayden Pavey in the 2025 class, so the numbers are balancing themselves out over the two cycles.
Ben Wenzel
Ben Wenzel’s recruitment seemed pretty straightforward: trust in and stick with the hometown team that had come flying through over the past few weeks with strong interest, or head to the SEC for the Oklahoma Sooners.
After hearing Wisconsin’s final pitch this weekend, Wenzel decided to commit, closing out Wisconsin’s linebacker room with him and Aden Reeder and getting another in-state player into the program.
Yes, there were offers from Michigan State and Kansas that came late, but the interest from Oklahoma and Wisconsin essentially made this one a two-team race. And the hometown appeal won over.
The Badgers have gone with two inside linebackers in recent classes, taking Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa in 2025. That’s the same here with Wenzel and Reeder, and the Badgers don’t have any more visits planned for inside linebackers.
Djidjou Bah
Three commitments in one day? Well, that’s what happened when Djidjou Bah pledged to the program on Sunday, giving Wisconsin their third defensive lineman and 10th overall in the class.
Bah, a 6’3, 260-pound lineman, can play defensive end, and was seen as the harder recruit to close down this weekend, given his litany of interest. Iowa, Indiana, Michigan State, and Northwestern were all after the Tennessee defensive lineman, and Wisconsin had a big chance with the early official visit.
And they took advantage, securing Bah’s commitment, pushing their total up to three on the day.
Bah was another late offer, getting his from Wisconsin in May. But, the relationships quickly built to the point where it seems he was comfortable committing already, with defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow and outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell both playing a part in his recruitment.
Where from here
Well, while three commitments are great, Wisconsin expects more from their first weekend and will likely trickle out announcements over the week to give players their shine if they commit.
Looking at the other visitors from this weekend, tight ends Jack Sievers and Jack Janda would both be big gets, fulfilling the position.
Elsewhere, wideout Zachary Washington has long been a priority target at the position, with Michigan State being the other big player. The Badgers have done a great job there.
Four-star Amari Latimer may be the team’s best player in the class, regardless of position, and he was back on campus this weekend. Wisconsin was trending strongly heading in.
The Badgers seemed to make moves on top recruits McHale Blade (outside linebacker), Kamari Blair (offensive lineman), and Jayden Petit (wide receiver), who were all big targets with big offer lists.
And four-star Jackson Ford-Samuels had his return to Madison after being a priority outside linebacker as well. He’s continued to trend well for Wisconsin, although there’s quite a bit of competition there, too.
Overall, there’s a lot of room for Wisconsin to really splash this weekend. We’ll see where exactly they’re able to hit before players take their next official visits.