Wisconsin Football Hit With Disappointing Update on the Recruiting Trail

Not long ago, the Wisconsin Badgers football program was considered the leader in the clubhouse to land three-star running back Isaiah West. But they can cross the one-time top-of-board recruiting target off the list.

On Friday night, West announced his pledge to Mark Stoops and the University of Kentucky over scholarship offers from Penn State, Michigan State, North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, and several others.

Let’s work💙🌟. #Committed #BBN @CoachJ_Boulware @UKFootball @Rivals @RivalsFriedman @247Sports @On3sports @adamgorney @TheUCReport @EdOBrienCFB @PRZPAvic @T_Roken @ryne011 @Coach_Sug pic.twitter.com/4eCYF2cUER

— Isaiah West (@IsaiahWest_12) March 2, 2024

West initially had a crystal ball prediction to land with the Badgers that was placed back in October. The 6-foot, 215-pound tailback also had an official visit to Madison scheduled for June 1 weekend. 

“I want to go to the place that will develop me into the best running back I can possibly be and a program where everyone really does care about each other,” West previously shared with Badgernotes. 

According to the On3 recruiting rankings, West is considered the No. 28 running back in the nation and the No. 11 player in Pennslyvania. 

What Does This Mean for Wisconsin Football at Running Back?

Wisconsin football running back coach Devon Spalding had the Badgers in a good spot early with Isaiah West, but the allure of playing in the SEC proved too tempting for the young recruit.

During the last recruiting cycle, Wisconsin loaded up at tailback, signing Dilin Jones, Darrion Dupree, and Gideon Ituka. Each of those players has a very different skill set, and the coaching staff feels like the future of the position group will emerge from that trio.

“Dilin Jones, I think, is a guy that is going to be a difference maker,” Fickell said on Big Ten Network. “He’s just scratching the surface as well, he’s going to get bigger, he’s got a stride…He does kind of remind me of a, just thinking back to a Melvin Gordon,” he continued. “I know Darrion said that was his guy. I might compare him [Dupree] more to a Jonathan Taylor-ish.

“I think they’re going to be a heck of a combination, those two guys.”

In the 2025 class, Wisconsin football has the opportunity to be more picky in their evaluations. They anticipate taking only one running back for this class, although it’s important to note that scholarship distributions can be fluid and subject to change.

A few names to watch for the Wisconsin Badgers at the position group moving forward are Bryon Louis, John Forster, and Jace Clarizio.

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