Wisconsin in the final mix, but 4-Star safety picks Tennessee

The Wisconsin Badgers were in the mix and part of the final four choices for 4-star safety Jowell Combay out of Marietta, Georgia. However, on commitment day, Combay picked the Tennessee Volunteers over Wisconsin, Georgia, and South Carolina. When the choices came down to SEC options and then Wisconsin, it felt like it would be a long shot for the Badgers and Luke Fickell. However, there was a string of thought that made it seem like, because of that exact reason, they were the dark horse.

Ultimately, it wasn't meant to be. Combay stayed in SEC country even if he spurned his in-state school, Georgia, to compete for SEC rival Tennessee.

The Badgers made a push, but Tennessee ultimately won out for the coveted defensive back

This was one of Wisconsin safeties coach Jack Cooper's biggest targets, but it was an uphill battle to land him. The Badgers made a very impressive push and impression on Combay during his June 13th visit to Madison. This was enough to keep them in the running, and their history with safeties and defensive backs. It wasn't enough in the end for Combay.

Over the last couple of weeks, it seemed as if Wisconsin was fading behind the other schools. There was some smoke that Missouri might be starting to have a good late push, and, of course, the in-state school always had some appeal. Head coach Josh Heupel ultimately convinced him to wear the orange and white and become a Volunteer.

Wisconsin has had a good run lately with recruits. So while missing out on Combay isn't fun, they've landed a couple of huge recruits in the last week with prized running back target Amari Latimer and 4-star receiver Jayden Petit out of Florida. Those wins are enough for Wisconsin fans to celebrate, even with this latest loss.