Former UCLA commit sets Badgers’ visit for Heartland Trophy game

Previously, the Wisconsin staff offered Gaad a scholarship in December of 2024 and worked slowly to develop a relationship with the recruit. Wisconsin stayed among the top teams for Gaad, but lost out on his commitment in February when the lineman joined SMU. Gaad held a commitment to SMU for just over a month before reopening his recruitment and committing to UCLA a month later, just two weeks before visiting Wisconsin.

The Badgers have played no games with the recruit this time around, and have been the biggest presence for Gaad since leaving the Bruins. Wisconsin currently has two commitments along the defensive line in Arthur Scott and Djidjou Bah, but the staff ideally would like to carry three commitments into signing day.

Wisconsin had previously planned on having three defensive line commitments, but notable three-star commitment Carmelow Reed flipped to Ole Miss shortly after visiting.

Wisconsin Badgers Remain Leader in Race to Land Former UCLA Commitment Yahya Gaad

While other programs have been involved in the second round of recruiting for Gaad, the Badgers are currently the favorites to land the recruit. Wisconsin will still have to face a potential battle for the defender moving forward as the Florida State Seminoles may continue to push for the recruit as well.

The Seminoles previously offered Gaad a scholarship days before Wisconsin did so and the recruit has not been fully crossed off the board since despite his commitments. Florida State has pushed harder than during previous attempts at recruiting Gaad this time which has drawn the recruit closer. The Seminoles’ staff hosted the defender for a visit during the game against Kent State.

Wisconsin will host Gaad for another visit of their own as the recruit will be in attendance during the clash between the Badgers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The visit is the final push from Wisconsin to land Gaad, and some recruiting analysts believe the recruit could announce his commitment shortly after.

For the Wisconsin staff, landing a commitment from Gaad would be great, but putting together a winning performance would be tremendous. Last season, the Hawkeyes stomped the Badgers en route to a 42-10 win where Brendan Sullivan did not need more than 100 passing yards (93) to defeat the team. Wisconsin could not stop the Hawkeyes on the ground last game, but a renewed defensive line could provide more pressure than before.