Wisconsin is on a heater right now in 2027 recruiting. Luke Fickell is preparing to bring in his best class ever, and yet, he has no plans of slowing down. While the 2027 class is nearly full, the attention turns to 2028. The Badgers are now hosting multiple top-rated players for the 2028 class, including the No. 1-ranked running back in the country (composite).
Wisconsin is hosting an event called the Bucky's BBQ, in which they invite many of the priority recruits for next year's class. It's a good time to get these recruits in as the 2028 goes live in two days. On June 15, the coaches can begin directly contacting 2028 players. If that is a bit confusing, considering there are many on campus right now. It's because the rules distinguish between unofficial visits, camps, campus tours, and calls, texts, etc.
While there is a good chunk of 2028 recruits on campus right now, here are two that stand out and Wisconsin fans should be aware of.
No. 1 composite ranked RB - Kevin Hartsfield
The top ranked composite running back in the nation has arrived to Madison for his visit #Badgers @k_hartsfield3 Via Instagram https://t.co/FOUPd3C0ES pic.twitter.com/4rhmxwOgmD
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) June 13, 2026
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Kevin Hartsfield is a real shot on at the dart board for Luke Fickell and his staff. Hartsfield is a running back from Georgia with already 47 offers including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, and many more. He's considered the top running back in his class based on composite rankings and will be a top priority for many programs.
As a sophomore, he had over 1300 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He still has two more seasons to play high school football, and his 6'0 and 210-pound frame will only add strength and explosiveness. Getting him on campus early and showing him that he's a big focus will go a long way.
Top 50 player and CB Logan Thompson
📍In Madison! @SteepDiesel @AlthoffFootball @AllenTrieu @ChadSimmons_ @CoachReedLive @_damienjosephFB @Jerrystan08 @CoachGeorge67 pic.twitter.com/6pIu71a9qu
— Logan Thompson (@1logodagoat) June 12, 2026
Related: In-state Wisconsin commit finally gets the respect he deserves in new rankings
Thompson is nearly a 5-star prospect with a 97 rating on the 24/7 Sports composite system. He's listed as a top-50 player and the No. 6 cornerback in his class with 18 offers and a ton of interest. Thompson's offer sheet includes Illinois, Indiana, LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, and a good chunk more.
Thompson is one of the best 2028 players in Illinois, and as a sophomore recorded 24 tackles and one interception. There's a lot of excitement about his development, and Wisconsin cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples is trying to build that relationship now to bring him in as part of the class in two years.
This may feel like a long way to go, but some of the success of the 2027 class was built on momentum from when they were also on campus for the Bucky's BBQ. It's also clear that Fickell isn't offering pennies to every other school's dollars anymore. There's a willingness to compete with all the top recruiting programs. That's huge news for Wisconsin fans, as maybe things are starting to turn around there.
The next big step for Fickell to continue to land top talent, especially from out of state, is to start winning on the field. It's wild that Wisconsin could build 2027 momentum after a 4-8 season. Imagine what this coaching staff could do with an 8-4 record.
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