After hosting Zachary Taylor for an official visit, the Wisconsin football staff quickly locked-in a commitment with the defensive back.
Taylor, a three-star 2026 defensive back from Texas, announced his commitment to the Badgers just days after stepping foot on campus for the first time. Taylor is one of the newest recruits Wisconsin contact within the 2026 class, earning a scholarship in late April from the staff. Wisconsin acted quickly, however, and booked an official visit with a recruit who appeared to be destined to stay close to home.
COMMITTED!!! I am proud to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin!!! I want to thank all the players and coaches that have supported me throughout my journey. On Wisconsin!!! #OnWisconsin @BadgerFootball @CoachFick @CoachJCooper @CoachMikeTress pic.twitter.com/m9yUQ2m9dW
— Zachary Taylor | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ DB (@Zach21Taylor) June 13, 2025
The defensive back previously visited TCU, Texas Tech, and Houston and had positive interactions with all programs. The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound defensive back has the ability to play both safety and cornerback with ease which has drawn extra attention towards the recruit.
Wisconsin not only added a great talent on the field in Taylor, but also added to the 2026 recruiting class in a major way. Taylor is currently the top ranked recruit in the 2026 recruiting class for the Badgers.
Wisconsin adding Zachary Taylor is a big addition and not only because of the rating of the recruit but also due to his rare skillset.
As mentioned previously, Taylor stands tall at 6-feet-2-inches which is a massive frame for a defensive back. Taylor also possesses rare speed, recording a 4.39 40-yard dash time previously which would put the defensive back in elite company. The recruit has great footwork, a long frame, and speed skills that simply cannot be taught which has truly set Taylor apart in the eyes of the Wisconsin football staff.
Taylor had been one of the top recruits on the recruiting board of Wisconsin and represents a major win far from home for the staff as well. Moving forward, Taylor will likely play safety after coach Jack Cooper extended the original scholarship offer. However Wisconsin could certainly move Taylor around and utilize the defensive back in many different ways.
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