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Can the Wisconsin Football Staff Secure a Third 2026 TE Following Big Upcoming OV?
Can the Wisconsin Football Staff Secure a Third 2026 TE Following Big Upcoming OV? 1 Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

After landing two 2026 class tight ends already, the Wisconsin football staff could inch closer to a third tight end after an upcoming visit.

The Wisconsin football staff is set to have 2026 three-star tight end Will Vala on campus next weekend for an official visit. Vala is the third tight end to book an official visit with the program in the 2026 class, and the previous two both committed to the Badgers.

Three-star tight end duo Jack Sievers and Jack Janda both committed to Wisconsin days apart after taking an official visit during the same weekend. Sievers and Janda are both excellent fits within the next offense the Wisconsin football staff is planning on displaying.

Vala, an athlete who plays on both sides of the football, could be another perfect fit within the new offensive mold for tight ends.

Wisconsin Football Staff Aiming to Bolster Tight End Room With Will Vala Commitment


Can the Wisconsin Football Staff Secure a Third 2026 TE Following Big Upcoming OV? 2 Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

While two tight ends might theoretically be enough, the Wisconsin football staff acknowledged the team needs to become more athletic and the roster must closer resemble the physical molds for each position. For Wisconsin, if that means loading up at certain positions to ensure the right physical traits are present.

Vala stands in at 6-feet-3-inches, and roughly 235-pounds with a strong frame that is difficult to overpower. Vala puts up a fight every play and possesses a rare athletic build for a tight end which could allow the recruit to blossom over time.

The tight end has great hands and well above average acceleration and athleticism for the position. Vala is also a capable blocker and a player who is not afraid to do some of the dirtier things that come with playing tight end.

Vala might be looking forward to a visit with the Wisconsin football staff, but Illinois and Indiana are also on the mind of the recruit. The Illinois native visited the Fighting Illini recently and has been rather quiet since, which could be a sign of a potential big announcement to come.


Can the Wisconsin Football Staff Secure a Third 2026 TE Following Big Upcoming OV? 3 Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell leads his team onto the field prior to the game at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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