Wisconsin football flips 2025 4-star defensive lineman from Michigan
The Wisconsin Badgers were able to flip a blue-chip defensive lineman from the Michigan Wolverines late in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Luke Fickell and the University of Wisconsin football program secured a significant win on the recruiting trail by flipping 2025 four-star defensive lineman Jaylen Williams from Michigan.
The Palatine (Ill.) standout took an official visit to Madison during Wisconsin’s home game against No. 1 Oregon, and the trip sealed the deal for the Badgers.
Williams, a 6-foot-6, 265-pound prospect, is rated as the No. 279 player in the class and the No. 28 defensive lineman in the country. His offer sheet was littered with Power 4 programs such as Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio State, Oregon, Miami, and Florida State, among others.
He initially committed to Michigan in June but later announced his intent to flip, sharing on social media, “God had a different plan. Respect my decision.”
Wisconsin had been in the mix for Williams long before his commitment to the Wolverines, thanks in part to a relationship with former Badgers defensive line coach Greg Scruggs. When Scruggs left for Michigan, Williams began trending toward the Wolverines. However, Scruggs' resignation and a subsequent coaching change opened the door for Wisconsin to reestablish its connection with the blue-chip recruit.
Defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow and outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell spearheaded Wisconsin’s efforts to land Williams, and persistence paid off. Williams became the 24th commitment in the Badgers 2025 recruiting cycle, now considered a top 25 class nationally.
Williams also joins a strong group of defensive linemen in this cycle, including Xavier Ukponu, Drayden Pavey, and in-state product Torin Pettaway.
Williams’ ability to play on the defensive line or stand up on the edge makes him a versatile and valuable addition.
The addition of Williams is a major win for coach Fickell and his staff as they now appear well-positioned to sign its second straight top-25 recruiting class.
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Dillion - any insight on if this flip will have any impact on Carter Smith? Sounds as if a relationship exists between the two. Thanks.