As the Badgers' 2025 season sinks even further after dropping to 2-6, the pressure to retain recruits from the 2026 class has intensified. Wide receiver Tayshon Bardo, who committed to Wisconsin back in back in March, has already been spooked and de-committed, and the worry is that as losses stack, up he might not be the only recruit to back out.
Earlier this week, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh took matters into his own hands, having a phone call with top quarterback recruit Ryan Hopkins, according to On3's Evan Flood. Hopkins, a California native, is the 45th ranked quarterback in the country. While there's no indication that Hopkins is nearing a de-commitment, Wisconsin is beginning to show signs of worry for the 2026 class.
#Badgers AD Chris McIntosh was on a call with Hopkins this week. https://t.co/Bcr7QQu5F2
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 30, 2025
Are the Badgers in full panic mode about their 2026 recruiting class?
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Other commitments like four-star running back Amari Latimer and wide receiver Jayden Petit have been in and out of the de-commitment rumor mill for weeks now. While there's just been one player to leave so far, the wins aren't coming any easier, and McIntosh's direct involvement is certainly something to monitor. The Badgers currently have the 56th ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports, their lowest of the Luke Fickell era.
McIntosh has promised a bigger financial investment into the football program, which may help, but money only goes so far. If the Badgers end up 2-10 on the season, and they very well might, it's still going to be a tough sell for potential recruits or transfers.
Luke Fickell has even said the best way to succeed in recruiting is by winning football games. They aren't doing that, and this season may not feature any more wins. This could be a rough recruiting year.