Wisconsin Football 2025 Recruiting Class Superlatives

The next generation of Badgers is here, as Wisconsin football officially signed its 2025 class.

Luke Fickell and company landed their second straight top-25 class after signing all 24 verbal commits on Wednesday. Thanks to big contributions from assistant coaches AJ Blazek, Paul Haynes, Matt Mitchell, E.J. Whitlow, and several others, the Badgers have landed one of the best recruiting classes in program history.

Here are my superlatives for Wisconisn's 2025 recruiting class after Early Signing Day.

Biggest Recruiting Win: Mason Posa

This was a battle that came down to the very end, and it was one of the most impressive recruiting jobs from the Badgers staff thus far. Wisconsin got in early on Posa, extending an offer in September of 2023. Right after the offer, though, Posa saw his recruitment explode, as he picked up 14 offers over the next two months.

Posa picked up 21 offers throughout his recruitment, picking up offers from Oregon, Alabama, USC, Washington, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and many others getting in the mix.

Though the field became crowded, Wisconsin did not waiver. Mike Tressel served as Posa's primary recruiter, and with his help, UW stayed at the top of the La Cueva standout's list. Wisconsin got aggressive and got Posa on campus several times before he made an official visit at the beginning of June. Mike Tressel and company were able to close the deal during the visit before Posa made trips to Oregon or Texas A&M, which landed in his top three schools.

Also considered: Hardy Watts, Carter Smith, Nicolas Clayton

Biggest Steal: Jaylen Williams

Wisconsin was a contender for Williams up to his initial commitment to Michigan. After former defensive line coach Greg Scruggs left for a job with the Wolverines, though, things changed and UW faded, leading to the four-star lineman committing to Michigan in June.

Wisconsin is in the midst of a defensive line revamp headed by E.J. Whitlow, and the Badgers were able to stack some talent in the 2025 class with Drayden Pavey, Xavier Ukponu, and Torin Pettaway, but the Badgers needed to add a bonafide playmaker in the mix, and they saw an opportunity with Williams.

Michigan continued to stack defensive line talent in the 2025 class, so UW went to work and got Williams on campus for an official visit during the clash with No. 1 Oregon. Just a few days later, Williams announced he flipped his commitment from Michigan to Wisconsin.

Also considered: Carter Smith, Emmett Bork

Highest Upside: Luke Emmerich

Emmerich has seen a big boost in the recruiting rankings recently, which is very well deserved. The Monticello High School standout is a Swiss Army Knife on the football field, taking snaps at quarterback, wide receiver, running back, defensive back, and served as a returner in his high school career.

In his senior campaign, Emmerich put out some really impressive film. With his experience on both sides of the ball, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete has great ball skills to pair with great reaction time. His speed is what initially turned heads, as Emmerich recorded a 10.69 in the 100-meter dash and a 6.94 in the 55-meter dash in the spring. His speed really stands out, as he can keep up with any receiver that comes his way and shows a good pursuit ability. Emmerich is also a sound tackler, as you consistently see him get low and meet runners at their legs.

Though he'll likely take a bulk of his snaps at safety, the versatility is just an added bonus here. Emmerich was a bit of a late riser in his recruitment, partly due to an injury he suffered in his junior year, but the upside has really started to show.

Also considered: Jaimier Scott, Eugene Hilton Jr, Jahmare Washington

Most Likely to Make an Early Impact: Jaimier Scott

Scott was another player I was considering putting in the highest upside spot, but factoring in the number of transfers in the cornerback room, this spot might make some more sense.

Scott is coming off a standout senior season, recording 93 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and seven interceptions as a defensive back, plus 892 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as a receiver. Scott is projected to play defensive back at UW, and it is a spot where he will be needed.

UW has lost five defensive backs in the last few days to the transfer portal, leaving Wisconsin with very few options at this stage. While some spots will fill up from finding guys in the portal, Scott could be a true freshman who can get himself in the mix for some early opportunities.

Also considered: Mason Posa, Eugene Hilton Jr, Jaylen Williams

Most Likely to Play on Sundays: Hardy Watts

There are a few guys I was considering here, but I'm going to give it to four-star offensive lineman Hardy Watts to be the next great Wisconsin offensive lineman.

Watts is a ferocious blocker who also has the quickness to move in space well and get the second level fast. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound lineman has a strong base that prevents him from being overpowered, and his strength allows him to manhandle opposing linemen on some plays. Watts is a coveted prospect for good reason, and with some time to develop, he will be a player worth closely monitoring, especially as he gets to the tail end of his career.

Also considered: Nicolas Clayton, Mason Posa, Eugene Hilton Jr

Most Underrated: Jahmare Washington

Washington is another player who saw a boost in the recruiting rankings recently. There could be some early opportunities for him after the mass exodus of talent in the Badgers' defensive back room, but even if he doesn't play early, Washington is someone to keep an eye on as he develops.

The Morgan Park standout is a long, athletic cornerback who fits the mold that Luke Fickell and company are looking for in their DBs. Washington possesses good ball skills and is fluid in his coverage ability. It seems that he has been getting more eyes as of late, but he is still currently ranked as the No. 89 cornerback on the composite.

Also considered: Samuel Lateju, Drayden Pavey

Hometown Hero: Grant Dean

Out of all of Wisconsin's in-state signees, I will take my pick with Grant Dean being the best among this group when it's all said and done.

Dean is coming off a remarkable senior season, where he was named the Fox Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year after taking snaps at safety and running back. The 6-foot- 180-pound athlete logged 40 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back, as well as 1,135 yards and 16 touchdowns as a tailback.

Dean's versatility gives him an opportunity to play in multiple spots, and while he will likely take the bulk of his snaps as a defensive back, you have to like the flexibility that he offers. The Neenah native has some real potential and could be the next in-state standout for Wisconsin with his skillset.

Also considered: Cooper Catalano, Michael Roeske