2026 edge rusher targets available for Wisconsin Badgers as 5-star dominoes begin to fall

The program also has previously recruited four-star recruit Luke Wafle (Princeton Hun School, New Jersey), but UW already has received one commitment from high three-star outside linebacker Carmelow Reed (Olympia Fields Rich Township, Illinois) last month.

The staff has also continued to target some other key recruits on the

McHale Blade (Chicago Simeon)

Blade most recently took an unofficial visit to Madison for Wisconsin's spring showcase April 19. He's a nationally prominent recruit who's currently evaluated as the No. 161 player and No. 22 edge rusher in the 2026 class by On3's Industry rankings.

Badgers staff that included outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell and defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow visited him Thursday, according to his Instagram story.

Jackson Samuels Ford (Malvern Prep, Pennsylvania)

A four-star recruit, Ford named Wisconsin among his top eight schools April 2. The Badgers are competing against Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers, Stanford, Penn State, Kentucky and USC for his commitment.

Ford visited Wisconsin in January and later announced his intentions to take an official visit to Wisconsin the weekend of May 29-June 1.

Ashton Blatt (Pittsburgh Central Catholic)

Blatt is a high three-star recruit who released his top eight schools April 4, with Wisconsin included along with Penn State, Duke, Pitt Virginia Tech, Virginia, West Virginia and Indiana. He also announced later that month a notable offer from Oklahoma.

Blatt also previously tweeted that he was set to take an official visit to Wisconsin the weekend of May 29-June 1.

Hudson Woods (Spring Branch Smithson Valley, Texas)

Woods, a three-star recruit, announced an offer from the Badgers on Feb. 13 . He has tweeted about planned official visits to Oklahoma State (April 25-27), Kansas State (May 22-24), Northwestern (May 30-June 1), Southern Methodist (June 6-8) and Wisconsin (June 12-15).

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