The Wisconsin Badgers have made a strong commitment to beefing up the defensive line both for next season and into the future. Luke Fickell and his staff are actively working to make the trenches a focused emphasis for Wisconsin once again. He's doing this through the transfer portal and in the recruiting ranks.
One of their primary defensive targets for 2026 is King Liggins, a 6'4", 280 lb defensive lineman from Chicago. He has narrowed his list to two teams and plans to announce between them on Wednesday, May 21.
3-star King Liggins will choose between Illinois and Wisconsin on Wednesday
King Liggins has 27 offers and has officially visited Wisconsin and Illinois. While being in the final two is big for Wisconsin, the 24/7 Sports recruiting experts have logged a Crystal Ball for him to go to Illinois. While the Badgers aren't out of the race, it does seem to be pointing toward the Illini and head coach Bret Bielema.
According to 24/7 Sports, he will be announcing on their Ultimate College Football Show, "Which begins at 3 p.m. Central time / 4 p.m. Eastern. The commitment is expected during the back half of that show, between 3:30-3:45 p.m. Central, 4:30-4:45 p.m. Eastern."
If Wisconsin does end up missing on Liggins, it won't be ideal, but with a defensive line commitment already in the class, Carmelow Reed, and many more being recruited, Fickell will shift his attention to other targets. The position is a high priority now for the Badgers, and Fickell has many more lures out there for 2026 recruits.