Fond du Lac High School's Max Mengel (1) pulls down a first down reception against Appleton North High School's Ben Wenzel (50) and Bobby Salm (4) during their football game Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Fond du Lac, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wisconsin Badgers pursuing in-state 2026 LB recruit after 3-star target commits to Arizona State

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Jake Kocorowski | Last updated May 21, 2025 7:17 PM ET

Another 2026 linebacker is choosing to play elsewhere, but all eyes are now on an in-state recruit who recently received an offer from the Wisconsin Badgers.

Mason Marden, a three-star recruit who plays for St. Louis Ladue Horton Watkins, announced Wednesday via Instagram his commitment to Arizona State. Marden had placed Wisconsin within his list of top five schools a couple of weeks ago.

Marden's Instagram page showed 21 offers overall, which also includes Power Four schools Kentucky, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Louisville, Stanford, Minnesota, Oklahoma State and Northwestern.

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Wenzel is listed at 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds on Hudl, and according to wissports.net, he finished his junior season with 83 tackles, one tackle for loss and two forced fumbles.

Wenzel has announced Power Four offers from Kansas, Michigan State and Oklahoma since March. He also tweeted about official visits set to the Jayhawks (June 20-22) and Sooners for next month.

'26 Linebacker ~ 6'3.5", 212 lbs
⚡️Updated Junior Season Highlights ++⚡️
-4 Forced Fumb (4th in State D1)
-3 Blocked FG (1st in State D1)
-10 Tkl/Game (2nd in Conference)
-1st Team All-Conference (FVA)
-1st Team All-Region (Large School) pic.twitter.com/0fDOZJbsJ6
— (@wenzel_ben7) January 30, 2025