Wisconsin lands the No. 1 player in the state and there's a major reason that matters

Wisconsin hasn't been great at recruiting the top players in its own state since Luke Fickell took the helm. There have been many theories about why that's been the case, but yesterday, Fickell changed the narrative. 4-star, Korz Loken, the top player in the state, committed to the Badgers during the Navy All-American Bowl, and his own family threw up the "W" hand sign.

This is big for Fickell and Wisconsin, as this offseason, even after a rough 2025 football campaign, the news has been headed on an upward trajectory. The portal has been a resounding success; the season ended with momentum, and now Fickell secures the top player in his own backyard.

4-star Korz Loken has committed to the Wisconsin Badgers

Related: Luke Fickell completes the transfer portal position puzzle with a crucial addition

Loken is listed as the No. 1 player in the state of Wisconsin and the No. 8 overall tight end. He plays for Iola-Scandinavia High School and participates in a variety of sports there. He does track and field, competing in sprints, hurdles, discus, and even jumps. He also plays on the basketball team, nearly averaging a double-double.

He's an elite athlete and an important addition for the class of 2027. He's the second player in the class to commit to the Badgers, following Ethan McIntosh into the fold. McIntosh is the son of athletic director Chris McIntosh and is listed as a 3-star offensive tackle from Verona, Wisconsin.

These two players are starting the 2027 class off right and helping right the ship for Fickell with in-state recruiting. Both are Wisconsin players, and both signal to the other players in the state that it's important to stay home and play for the hometown Badgers.

In the last few recruiting classes, Wisconsin has watched their top players go to other universities, and at least for 2027, that problem is being addressed with Loken and McIntosh.