Luke Fickell is relentless in this recruiting cycle with a clear emphasis on defensive linemen. Chasing down plenty of the best defensive line recruits in the Midwest (and beyond). Wisconsin missed on King Liggins last week, but more players have popped up naming Wisconsin as a finalist.
This time, it's 3-star Kobe Cherry, one of the best defensive line players in Indiana. He released his top three yesterday, with Indiana, Wisconsin, and Purdue as the final choices.
3-star Kobe Cherry has Wisconsin in the final three choices with decision coming soon
Indiana Hoosier fans feel like this one may already be in the bag for them as they have two distinct advantages. One is that Cherry is an in-state product, and Curt Cignetti is working hard to keep the best players in the state home. However, that hasn't stopped Wisconsin from poaching other Indiana recruits. In fact, Luke Fickell already has three in his 2026 recruiting class: Benjamin Novak, Carsen Eloms, and Tayshon Bardo.
Hoosier fans also think he will land at Indiana because he is Tyler Cherry's little brother. Tyler is a backup quarterback for the Hoosiers and was a four-star player coming out of high school. He isn't currently on the Indiana roster as he isn't medically able to play next season due to injury. According to the IndyStar newspaper, he will spend the 2025 season as a "student coach."
Back in March, Kobe visited the Badgers and came away impressed. According to On3.com, he was impressed with the coaching staff and the facilities during his visit. He was clearly impressed enough to include the Badgers in his final three. Will it be enough to get him to become a Badger? Time will tell, as he's narrowed it down and is looking to make a decision soon.