Badgers’ 2026 commitment sets new B1G visits as a defensive lineman

Some important commitments within the 2026 class for Wisconsin include four-star wide receiver Jayden Petit, four-star running back Amari Latimer, and three-star defensive lineman Djidjou Bah. In addition to all three being Wisconsin commitments, all three recruits have also drawn recent interest from numerous programs. The Badgers are in a tough position on and off of the field and opposing programs have been trying to take advantage.

Another key commitment who has entered the same fold is Jack Janda, a three-star Orchard Lake (MI) tight end who announced his commitment over the summer. Since committing, Janda has impressed on the field with his 6-foot-6 frame and excellent power. The recruit also impressed with his ability to play both tight end and defensive end with equal playing time split between both positions.

Jack Janda Sets New Visits as a Defensive Lineman Amid Wisconsin Badgers’ Struggles

Many recruits play offense and defense and the prevalence of players doing so has only been on the rise as of late. Janda is arguably just as talented of a defensive lineman as he is a tight end, and many programs are starting to take notice.

The Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans both offered and recruited Janda the first time around before his commitment to Wisconsin was announced. Both programs were both interested in the versatility of Janda but overall more interested in his potential as a tight end. With the continued improvement Janda has displayed on the defensive side, the Hawkeyes and Spartans are now pursuing the recruit as a defensive prospect.

Janda will visit Iowa on November 8th against the Oregon Ducks, who will host the Badgers this weekend in Eugene. The recruit will then visit Michigan State on November 15th against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

For the Wisconsin Badgers, the visits might be concerning but the door to potentially play defense in Madison might open up. Wisconsin initially recruited Janda as a tight end but the door to convert to the defensive line had been left open. There are a couple of factors that could allow the Badgers’ staff to honor such a position change.

The Badgers have another commitment at tight end in the 2026 class named Jack Sievers, who the staff has been very high on. Sievers is a bit smaller than Janda at 6-foot-4 but the speed and athletic differences between the two is notable. Sievers is both a dynamic and elusive tight end with exceptional athleticism for the position.

In addition to the commitment of Sievers, Wisconsin has been hunting for another defensive line commitment for quite some time. The Badgers were involved with players like Ben Duncum, Jeremiah Gray, and Yahya Gaad before sealing a verbal commitment from Gaad.

Wisconsin is high on the new addition, but the defensive line has four seniors and other losses could mount as well. The transfer portal may not create the best results either given the current state of the team and the potential of a two-win season. Leaving the door open for Janda to potentially play along the line could be the best tool for Wisconsin.