Luke Fickell pulls off major recruiting flip at a crucial 2026 position

Wisconsin has lost two wide receiver commitments in the 2026 class, including their top commit in the class, Jayden Petit. The recruiting class that originally had three playmaking wide receivers was down to only one: Zion Legree. Luke Fickell and Jordan Reid were able to secure a big flip from Vanderbilt, 3-star Keeyshawn Tabuteau.

Tabuteau is a big get for Fickell, as Wisconsin was able to go into Tennessee and get the 5'11 playmaker out from Vanderbilt's own backyard. He also brings a lot to the table for the Badgers going into the future.

Wisconsin is able to flip 3-star Keeyshawn Tabuteau from Vanderbilt

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Tabuteau is an explosive and dependable receiver out of McCallie High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He had 56 receptions for 1,231 yards with 16 touchdowns in his senior year of high school.

He had an impressive list of offers: Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Colorado, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, and about 10 other schools. His recruitment mostly came down to Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Wisconsin. He's been committed to Vanderbilt since June 17, according to 24/7 Sports.

Luke Fickell had the wide receiver position pretty squared away about a month ago in the 2026 recruiting class until Tayshon Bardo decided to open up his commitment and look around. Then Jayden Petit flipped to Oklahoma, leaving only Zion Legree left in the class.

Fickell, wanting to have a couple of freshman playmakers in this class, went back to the well and turned up Tabuteau, who could truly be a diamond in the rough for the Badgers.

There's still more work to do for the Badgers ahead of Wednesday, which is the start of the early signing period, but this is an important flip for Wisconsin, and to go into Tennessee and pull it off is pretty impressive.