4-star Jayden Petit, before choosing to commit to Wisconsin, decided to play a prank on the Badgers' wide receivers coach, Jordan Reid. On a phone call between Reid and Petit, the talented recruit told Coach Reid that he had decided to eliminate Wisconsin and not play for the Badgers. It was the reaction that Reid had that helped Petit decide Wisconsin was the place he actually wanted to play.
In an interview with Ryan and Bucky, Jayden Petit's trainer tells the whole story, and how he led the 4-star player to choose the Badgers.
Jayden Petit's trainer talks about the impression that Coach Reid made and why it helped guide the talented 4* WR to Wisconsin! Full show up tomorrow!@JaydenPetit12 @PrimeFASTLLC pic.twitter.com/Bo8gSKlKgi
— Ryan Harings (@RyanAndBucky) July 8, 2025
Jordan Reid's humble and learning posture helped Jayden Petit pick the Badgers
Reid responded not mad, frustrated, or even pleading. He didn't try to talk Petit out of his decision. He didn't tell Petit that he was making the wrong choice or any of the other things that coaches often say when a recruit gives them bad news. Reid instead said, "What could we have done differently to help you choose Wisconsin?"
It was the question and the posture that showed Petit, Wisconsin's true colors. It was a humble approach, but also a learning approach. Reid was truly wondering how he could become a better recruiter, how he could help other players like Petit come to Wisconsin and choose the Badgers.
While it was just a joke Petit was pulling on Reid and Wisconsin, it ended up being a catalyst for Petit's decision. This was monumental for Wisconsin's recruiting class as Petit is currently the highest-rated recruit for the 2026 class.
Petit is part of a trio of special wide receivers coming in the 2026 class. It all started with 3-star Tayshon Bardo, and then Reid and Fickell were able to get Zion Legree to flip from Ole Miss to Wisconsin, and finally, they added Petit. It could be a special room when they all arrive next season.