Badgers Contact Strong Former 2026 Target Following UCLA Coaching Change

Upon the news of the firing, Gaad reopened his recruitment and announced he would no longer remain committed to the Bruins, marking a notable loss for the program. Since announcing his decision, the Badgers have been in close contact with Gaad and aim to make the recruit a part of the 2026 class before potentially closing the doors on the cycle. 

Wisconsin Badgers Staff Reigniting Contact With Former UCLA Commitment Yahya Gaad

Previously, Wisconsin planned on holding three defensive line commitments with Carmelow Reed, Arthur Scott, and Djidjou Bah all announcing verbal commitments to the Badgers. Reed, however, later flipped to Ole Miss and Wisconsin has since worked to fill the void that was leftover when the recruit announced his commitment flip. The Badgers were in the running for 2026 recruits such as Jermaine Polk, Ben Duncum, and Jeremiah Gray, but the staff has been unable to again secure a defensive line commitment. 

Gaad was another player who previously slipped away, but could join fellow Tennessee native Bah in Madison under the right circumstances. 

On the field, the 6-foot-5-inch, 260-pound defensive lineman is a powerful rusher who leans heavily on his strength to get to the quarterback. Gaad primarily plays off of the end due to his combination of size, power, and reach that solidifies the edge. Gaad has a knack for disrupting the quarterback, but also has a reputation for being a tough defender for running backs to escape. 

The defender holds an impressive frame currently with plenty of room to continue to add on mass over time. Gaad could be successful given his current frame, but could additionally bulk up and add more power to his already strength based play-style. 

Within the Wisconsin Badgers defense, Gaad would be an ideal addition to the 2026 class before the Badgers officially close the cycle. Previously, Wisconsin had slowed down on the recruitment of the 2026 class following commitments elsewhere from Gaad, Gray, Reed, and others. However, with Gaad once again opening up his recruitment, the Badgers are eager to continue to add to the class at a position group that needs the depth.