Luke Fickell added a statement addition today for the 2026 recruiting class in Aden Reeder, a linebacker out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He chose the Badgers over some of Wisconsin's most annoying rivals: Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan State. This is an important recruit for Wisconsin to land, as not only did the Badgers get a good linebacker prospect, but they did it by getting him away from those three.
BREAKING: Wisconsin has received a commitment from linebacker Aden Reeder
— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) May 12, 2025
The three-star prospect chose the Badgers over Iowa, Michigan State and Minnesota, among others@AdenReeder15 @GregSmithRivals https://t.co/usKfJJvtG5 pic.twitter.com/gtzmfaQ9wD
3-star Aden Reeder committed to Wisconsin over Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan State
Aden Reeder was in the process of setting up and taking his visits but decided to commit this week to Luke Fickell and his staff instead. According to 24/7 Sports, he unofficially visited Minnesota on April 12 and was scheduled to go back on May 30th. However, Wisconsin was able to sway him to become a Badger.
He also had other visits set up in June that most likely won't happen now that he has committed to play for Wisconsin defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Tressel, who was instrumental in his recruitment.
Reeder has 17 offers and is rated a 3-star linebacker and nearly one of the top 50 linebackers in his class. His recruitment has really picked up his junior year, and his fall season has many anticipating he will take another big jump in his development and could land as a 4-star before the season is over. He plays fast and physical and doesn't shy away from contact but instead seeks it out.
Wisconsin now has seven players committed in the 2026 class. Three are now on the defensive side. Reed joins defensive lineman Carmelow Reed and cornerback Carsen Eloms.