The Wisconsin football coaching staff is preparing for its first major recruiting weekend of the year, as it will host its inaugural Junior Day on January 26.
The Wisconsin Badgers football program will welcome several top candidates from the 2026 recruiting class to campus for Junior Day visits on Sunday. This weekend is a critical opportunity for head coach Luke Fickell and his recruiting team to leave a strong impression on these prospects, aiming to deepen their relationships and position Wisconsin as a leading choice in their recruitment processes.
While Fickell acknowledges the value of the transfer portal for addressing immediate team needs, the Badgers remain committed to building their roster through high school recruiting, with the objective of bringing in 25 to 30 high school athletes each cycle to ensure long-term growth and stability within the program.
Fickell emphasized, “You create better relationships with high school recruits, which ideally leads to a deeper connection, increasing their chances of contributing on the field sooner or exceeding expectations through support and motivation.”
Junior Day has become a key element of Wisconsin’s recruiting strategy, providing highly sought-after prospects and their families an in-depth view of what the program and campus offer. Below is a list of the notable 2026 recruits expected to attend Wisconsin’s Junior Day.
**Visitor List for Junior Day:**
– **Messiah Tilson:** An unranked safety from Rockford, Illinois, who gained attention after Wisconsin offered him in October. Several schools, including Kansas and Minnesota, are now in the mix for the 6-foot-2, 165-pound athlete.
– **Owen Cabell:** A composite three-star wide receiver from Nashville, Tennessee, heavily targeted by Wisconsin. This visit will give him a chance to connect with position coach Jordan Reid amidst interest from other schools.
– **Titan Davis:** A quiet yet talented four-star edge rusher from Missouri. He is being pursued by multiple top programs and will visit Madison, marking a significant moment in his recruitment.
– **Zachary Washington:** A highly sought receiver who has received offers from various top schools and has established a solid relationship with the coaching staff. His visit this weekend is crucial for his recruitment.
– **Jake Johnson:** An unranked defensive lineman from Prosper, Texas, whose recruitment has gained traction since a previous visit. Wisconsin remains in a strong position due to developing relationships.
– **Gavin Mueller:** A leading tight end prospect who lists Wisconsin among his favorites. His relationships with the coaching staff could be strengthened during this visit while he’s also considering other programs.
– **Damari Simeon:** A defensive lineman from New Jersey who has garnered numerous offers, including from major programs. Wisconsin has prioritized maintaining a strong relationship following his successful junior season.
– **Jackson Samuels-Ford:** A four-star outside linebacker from Pennsylvania with significant interest from top schools. His upcoming visit will showcase how he fits within Wisconsin’s defensive scheme.
– **Ben Novak:** A three-star offensive lineman from Indiana and the only committed recruit in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. His presence will be instrumental in attracting other prospects and promoting the program’s family-like atmosphere.
