The prized recruit of the 2026 class for Luke Fickell has been 4-star running back Amari Latimer. He was the prized jewel in a class that lacks the big fish. Yet, for months, he's been rumored as a likely flip candidate, whether it was to Ohio State or Tennessee, the writing was on the wall. Then on signing day he had yet to flip and hope was renewed until rumors came along that West Virginia entered the bidding war and may have won it.
Ultimately, that's what happened for the 4-star running back. He's off to play for Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia, and the bad news is, it may end up being a double-blow for Wisconsin and Luke Fickell.
Interesting to note that Amari Latimer is going to play for Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) December 3, 2025
His brother, #Badgers cornerback Geimere Latimer Jr., played for Rodriguez at Jacksonville State.
Does Geimere Latimer now follow his brother to play for his old coach?
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The key to landing Amari for the Badgers always seemed to be having his brother already in Wisconsin. Cornerback Geimere Latimer transferred last year to play for Luke Fickell and helped convince Amari to be part of Wisconsin.
The interesting nugget in the flip of Amari to West Virginia is the fact that the Latimer family is very familiar with the Mountaineers head coach, Rich Rodriguez, and so his Geimere. When Rodriguez was the head coach at Jacksonville State, Geimere was one of his star cornerbacks.
This is why it potentially could be a double gut-punch for the Badgers, as the Latimers may be thinking about going to West Virginia as a package deal. This can't be publicly talked about by Geimere as the transfer portal doesn't open until January 2nd, but it can definitely be planned behind closed doors.
It will be interesting to see if Geimere decides to stay a Badger, especially as the room is already incredibly thin and his opportunities will be high for plenty of playing time. But, this may be a combo deal, and if so, two punches to the gut for Fickell.