Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is shown during spring football practice Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers land commitment from 3-star linebacker from key recruiting area

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Jake Kocorowski | Last updated May 12, 2025 11:19 AM ET

The University of Wisconsin football program's recruiting efforts in Ohio paid off once again.

Aden Reeder, who plays for Cincinnati St. Xavier, announced Monday via Instagram his commitment to the Badgers. He's the seventh player to join Wisconsin's 2026 class.

Reeder is a three-star recruit by three outlets, and On3 currently evaluates him the highest as the No. 31 linebacker and No. 21 player in the state of Ohio in the 2026 class. He has declared Power Four offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin since January.

Home!! #GoBadgers #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/KOVCOVGIQU
— Aden Reeder (@AdenReeder15) May 12, 2025

Wisconsin assistant linebackers coach Tuf Borland visited Reeder last week, and according to a spring tweet, the recruit is set to return to Madison the weekend of June 5-8 for an official visit. He also had announced official visits to Iowa from June 20-22 and Minnesota May 30-June 1.

Thank you for visiting @TufBorland pic.twitter.com/u4aS5MXfqv
— Aden Reeder (@AdenReeder15) May 9, 2025

Reeder recorded 72 tackles, 14½ tackles for loss and three sacks last season, according to MaxPreps. Listed at 6 foot 3 and 205 pounds on his junior Hudl film, he is projected to play inside linebacker for defensive coordinator Mike Tressel.

Reeder's frame is similar to current Badgers backers Christian Alliegro (6-4, 245 pounds), Thomas Heiberger (6-4, 233 pounds), and incoming four-star freshman Mason Posa (listed at 6-3 on Hudl).

Wisconsin has recruited Ohio well in the tenures of coach Luke Fickell and former coach Paul Chryst. Among 2025 Badgers signees from the Buckeye State include cornerback Jai'mier Scott (Cincinnati Mt. Healthy), offensive lineman Nolan Davenport (Massillon Washington) and defensive lineman Drayden Pavey (Cincinnati Taft).

Full Season Jr year highlights
1st team All GCL
HM All District
72 tot (42 solo)
14.5 tfl’s
3 FF
3.0 Sacks
3 PBU

Check out my highlight - https://t.co/mjSojrl8EO @Brodbeckj02 @COACHSPECHT28 @8TooHard @AllenTrieu @RUNBYU @JaredLuginbill pic.twitter.com/Ai0mvgpECG
— Aden Reeder (@AdenReeder15) November 27, 2024