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Wisconsin Football Sustaining Tradition Through OL and RB Recruiting

The Wisconsin Football program has continued to prioritize offensive line and running back recruiting among a whirlwind of changes.

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Wisconsin Badgers Football head coach Luke Fickell at fall camp
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches a drill during fall training camp at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

The Wisconsin football program has assembled a solid 2024 recruiting class in the first complete cycle under Luke Fickell. The Badgers currently hold 20 commitments in the class, good for the No. 26 class in the country. 

UW got some good news on the recruiting trail on Friday, as a Crystal Ball prediction was submitted for four-star DL Ernest Willor Jr. to land with Wisconsin. Defensive line recruiting has been the Achilles heel for Wisconsin thus far, but if the Badgers are able to bring in the top-125 prospect, some worries may subside. 

One thing that has remained constant during the changing of regimes is the importance of offensive line and running back recruiting. Although the Badgers have ushered in a new era with a more spread-out scheme, sticking to their roots has remained a pillar of the program.

Offensive Line and Tailback Recruiting Remains a Pillar of Wisconsin Football

Wisconsin holds five offensive line and three running back commitments in the 2024 class. 

The offensive line class comprises four-star Kevin Heywood, three-star Derek Jensen, three-star Emerson Mandell, three-star Ryan Cory, and three-star Colin Cubberly.

Meanwhile, the Badgers hold commitments from four-star Dilin Jones — the highest-rated prospect in Wisconsin’s 2024 class — four-star Darrion Dupree, and three-star Gideon Ituka. 

According to the Rivals team recruiting rankings, the Badgers have a top-five class at both positions. 

 


Wisconsin’s new offensive scheme had spread things out a bit more. Of course, linemen and tailbacks are still vital to the air raid scheme, but having a strong quarterback and talented pass catchers could be seen as a priority. However, Luke Fickell and company have stayed true to what makes Wisconsin football what it is. 

Those values have carried over to the 2025 recruiting class. UW is off to a strong start, holding commitments from QB Landyn Locke, DB Remington Moss, OL Michael Roeske, and LB Cooper Catalano. They’re also in the mix with multiple other offensive line and tailback prospects, including OL Rowan Byrne, OL Owen Strebig, OL Avery Gach, RB Isaiah West, and RB Tory Blaylock. 

The Wisconsin football program has historically been known for its ground-and-pound tendencies. Though a more spread-out scheme has been implemented, the Badgers are sticking with their bread and butter by bringing in blue-collar type players in the trenches and elite running back talent.

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Jake Maier is the managing editor and publisher at BadgerNotes.com. He has provided coaching and editorial support to numerous writers in his role, contributing significantly to the platform's growth. His expertise extends to Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, and recruiting coverage. Jake's previous bylines can be found at Fansided and Wisconsin Sports Heroics.

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