The Wisconsin Badgers just landed their first 5-star commitment since Nolan Rucci in 2021. This was just days after beating No. 13 Penn State in Happy Valley for the first time since 2003. Everything is turning up for the Badgers right now, and it's a fun place to be. But let's look at that 5-star commitment of Jalanie George and what it means. Five reasons for a 5-star player.
1. Luke Fickell continues to build momentum
Luke Fickell has a top-25 recruiting class in 2027. He now has a top-10 class for 2028 (it's early, but it's still ranked No. 6). He just won a big road Big Ten game against Penn State at Beaver Stadium. He just won a big road Big Ten game against Penn State at Beaver Stadium. Things are really turning for Fickell, and he's finding momentum all over the place right now. Funny what a little financial investment will do for a program and a head coach.
Wisconsin fans are praying it's not fool's gold and that Fickell is the home-run hire many thought he would be a few years ago. It just took a better investment to see it become reality.
2. He's a player a class can be built around
Jalanie George is the type of recruit who galvanizes other recruits and convinces other top players to jump on the boat. The Wisconsin Badgers are going somewhere; who wouldn't want to be part of it? George being an out-of-state player is the icing on the cake. It's one thing to recruit your top in-state talent (and it's very important), but there's momentum in recruiting when you start pulling in other states' top recruits.
George will end up being a key to adding other great players from the 2028 to the fold.
3. Wisconsin won a major recruiting battle
This cannot be missed. Wisconsin went up against Miami, Auburn, and Washington for a 5-star player and walked away the victor. Not only that, but George has 36 total offers from all over the country. Programs like Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame, among many others, were all hoping to get George to consider them. The Badgers were the ones who swooped in and got George.
The other part of this equation is how the Badgers closed down the stretch. It appeared Wisconsin was all but out of it. George narrowed his list to six schools in May: Washington, Auburn, Ohio State, Miami, Oklahoma, and Florida. Notice which school is missing? In August, two different Rivals experts predicted Washington to land George.
Yet, somehow, someway, Wisconsin stayed involved and continued to pursue and push. Finally, getting a game-day visit changed everything. Luke Fickell closed the deal and landed a 5-star in a major recruiting battle.
4. Jalanie George is already built like a Big Ten edge
George is a junior in high school, and he's built like he's ready to play on a Big Ten defensive line tomorrow. He's 6'5 and 250 pounds; he has a frame that could even allow him to play inside if he gains some more bulk. He's a monster and is wrecking high school offensive linemen. He's got another 1.5 before he arrives in Madison, and he's only going to get bigger and stronger in that time.
5. He's a consensus top-25 pick
This has been talked about a lot, and don't let recruiting services change the narrative simply because he chose Wisconsin. He's a 5-star player. 24/7 Sports still has him as a consensus 5-star and the No. 7 edge in his class. He's also listed as the No. 3 player in Arizona. Rivals has him as the No. 23 player in his class, the No. 6 player at his position, and the second-best player in his state. ESPN lists him as the No. 15 player.
He's a big-time recruit, and his stock is only on the rise. This is a major win for the Wisconsin Badgers after a big win on the field on Saturday.
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