Reaction, Analysis: Wisconsin Football Adds Dynamic 2025 Edge-Rusher

Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Luke Fickell and his staff have added another talented player to their 2025 recruiting class. 

Three-star edge rusher Samuel Lateju from New Jersey announced his verbal commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers on social media over offers from Pitt, Duke, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Maryland, West Virginia, and Boston College.

“Excited to announce my commitment to Badger Football,” Latju wrote. “I want to thank everyone that have been with me!!!”

Excited to announce my commitment to @BadgerFootball I want to thank everyone that have been with me!!!🙏🏿🙏🏿@CoachPoeWins @Coach_Mitch_ @CoachFick @_maximus347 @JeffBigDreamerH @B12PFootball @LvilleBigRedFB pic.twitter.com/fLYg1Kz94d

— sam (@lanrewajulateju) March 4, 2024

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound outside backer is considered the No. 71 EDGE in his class and the No. 26 player in New Jersey, per 247Sports.

It’s also worth noting that outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell was the lead recruiter here.

Reaction: Samuel Lateju Becomes Commit No. 8 for Wisconsin Football

With Lateju’s commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers football program, Coach Fickell and company now have eight players on board in the 2025 recruiting cycle — with a class ranking No. 9 in the country, per the composite. 

“Madison has a lot to offer both academically and for football,” Lateju told Badgernotes.

Wisconsin’s coaching staff is fully committed to the idea that recruiting athletes with unique physical attributes and versatile skill sets will result in a defense capable of thriving against any scheme in the Big Ten.

We’ve seen them practice what they preach through the additions made in the transfer portal this offseason with Leon Lowery and John Pius on the outside, along with a complete overhaul of the inside linebacker room.

Lateju joins three-star linebacker Brenden Anes as the only other outside linebacker commit in the 2025 class — although it’s looking more likely with each passing day that Wisconsin football would consider taking another one here.

Notably, the Lawrenceville School High School standout was teammates with current Wisconsin football signee Raphael Dunn.

Analysis: What Are the Wisconsin Badgers Adding?

Lateju has the prototypical size and length you love to see from an outside linebacker — especially in the scheme Wisconsin football wants to run under Mike Tressel.

He represents a clear athletic upgrade from what the Badgers have typically recruited at the position and does an excellent job setting the edge to make an impact in the run game.

“Wisconsin runs a similar defense to what we run in high school,” Lateju said. “The transition won’t be terrible. I may have to drop back, but I can still rush the passer. It’s basically the same defense I already play.”

He’s incredibly raw — but Lateju has only played for two years, and the glimpses of speed-rushing ability and twitch captured on film indicate the high-enough potential that outweighs the risks.

In my opinion, the Wisconsin football staff is probably comfortable if this is a two-man class. Still, they’re in a decent spot with blue-chip guys like Jayden Woods, Austin Alexander, and Gabe Kaminski — so they’ll likely go all-in on trying to add another game-wrecker.

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