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Ugly Chants Breakout as Badgers Drop B1G Opener to Maryland - Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell walks onto the field prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers extend scholarship to another former 2026 UCLA commitment

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 1:07 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers appear to be again trying to flip a former UCLA Bruins commitment over to Madison after extending a new scholarship offer.

Following a rough 0-3 starter, the Bruins decided to fire Coach DeShaun Foster in a move that some saw coming and others were shocked by. Regardless of which boat the college football world was in, a number of players made the decision to end their commitments with the program with the future now uncertain. Additionally, the 30-day transfer portal was opened for current Bruins’ players, but many opted to continue to play for the program.

Many other programs around college football have been quick to work on the current and former Bruins’ commitments. The Badgers have been one such program, turning back to Yahya Gaad who was a three-star defensive line commitment for the Bruins. Gaad is now closely tied to Wisconsin and very likely could announce a commitment in the near future.

Wisconsin Badgers Aiming to Complete Two UCLA Commitment Flips After Extending Xavier Stinson

Aside from Gaad, the Wisconsin Badgers also added another former UCLA commitment after connecting with a talented Vero Beach, Florida native. Wisconsin offered a scholarship to three-star 2026 wide receiver Xavier Stinson after connecting with the recruit.

Wide receivers coach Jordan Reid had the opportunity to extend the offer, and the Badgers now join a growing list of new programs involved. Virginia, Wake Forest, Syracuse, and Duke have all recently offered Stinson and likely will be teams to watch moving forward. NC State, Arkansas, Michigan State, and Vanderbilt had all been finalists for Stinson previously when he announced his commitment to the Bruins.

Badgers return to roots early on the ground against strong #20 Michigan line 2 Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Hunter Simmons (15) rolls out of the pocket during the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With a season beginning to dwindle down and plenty of new holes being found on the roster, Wisconsin is working to add plenty more bodies to the 2026 class. Gaad was a player Wisconsin previously missed out on, and now the Badgers aim to secure the commitment this time around. Additionally, Wisconsin has also been involved with potential commitment flips in Cincinnati verbals Brody Jones and Jeremiah Gray.

While the Wisconsin Badgers had remained involved with the walk-on and unranked markets, the staff is now clearly pushing to add more notable talent to the 2026 class. For the Badgers, the play on the field has been less than stellar and the reality of having limited portal options is likely setting in for the team.

For Stinson, the receiver is a talented and versatile player who consistently has the ability to break off major plays down field. Stinson recorded an average of 17.2 yards per catch last season with 740 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. With even more tape on the field now with the season underway, ten programs including Wisconsin have offered Stinson in the last month.

Badgers' 2026 DL Commitment Earns Offer From Key Big 12 Program 1 Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell runs onto the field ahead of players prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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

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