Badgers' Recruiting Picture Takes a Major Hit as Four-Star Recruit Jayden Petit Commits to Oklahoma.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell's fragile recruiting picture has just taken another severe hit, with four-star wide receiver Jayden Petit announcing his commitment to Oklahoma late on Thursday. Just 48 hours prior, Petit had decommitted from the Badgers, leaving a gaping hole in Fickell's already dwindling 2026 class.
Petit, who originally committed to Wisconsin back in June, was one of the top-rated skill-position pledges in the Badgers' recruiting class, ranking as the No. 13-ranked wide receiver and No. 93 overall prospect by 247Sports. The 6-4, 220-pound prospect from Naples, Florida, had a dominant senior season, totaling 69 receptions for 1,544 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Petit's decision marks a significant blow to Fickell, who has been under immense pressure to fill the Badgers' recruiting pipeline after an underwhelming two-season stint. Wisconsin currently sits at 4-7 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten play, with many questioning whether Fickell is the right man for the job.
The Badgers' class is now ranked 71st overall by 247Sports, with only one four-star recruit remaining – running back Amari Latimer. With Petit's departure, Wisconsin has lost its top perimeter prospect and further decreased their chances of landing a top-tier recruiting class.
Despite some calls for Fickell to be let go after a disappointing season, athletic department leadership has signaled willingness to invest in the program. However, Saturday's rivalry game at Minnesota represents an opportunity for Fickell to regain momentum and salvage what's left of his 2026 class from further slipping away.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell's fragile recruiting picture has just taken another severe hit, with four-star wide receiver Jayden Petit announcing his commitment to Oklahoma late on Thursday. Just 48 hours prior, Petit had decommitted from the Badgers, leaving a gaping hole in Fickell's already dwindling 2026 class.
Petit, who originally committed to Wisconsin back in June, was one of the top-rated skill-position pledges in the Badgers' recruiting class, ranking as the No. 13-ranked wide receiver and No. 93 overall prospect by 247Sports. The 6-4, 220-pound prospect from Naples, Florida, had a dominant senior season, totaling 69 receptions for 1,544 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Petit's decision marks a significant blow to Fickell, who has been under immense pressure to fill the Badgers' recruiting pipeline after an underwhelming two-season stint. Wisconsin currently sits at 4-7 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten play, with many questioning whether Fickell is the right man for the job.
The Badgers' class is now ranked 71st overall by 247Sports, with only one four-star recruit remaining – running back Amari Latimer. With Petit's departure, Wisconsin has lost its top perimeter prospect and further decreased their chances of landing a top-tier recruiting class.
Despite some calls for Fickell to be let go after a disappointing season, athletic department leadership has signaled willingness to invest in the program. However, Saturday's rivalry game at Minnesota represents an opportunity for Fickell to regain momentum and salvage what's left of his 2026 class from further slipping away.
I gotta say, Wisconsin's recruiting picture is looking hella grim right now! Four-star recruit Jayden Petit just bailed on 'em and headed to Oklahoma? 
That's a major blow, especially since they were already struggling to fill their 2026 class. I mean, 71st overall ranked class? Yeah, that's not gonna cut it if you wanna compete with the big boys in the Big Ten. Fickell needs to step up his game and bring in some high-profile recruits ASAP or else... 
Four-star recruit Jayden Petit jumping ship for Oklahoma is just another nail in the coffin, and at this rate, Wisconsin's 2026 class is gonna be as weak as their defense 
), but it's clear he needs to get his act together ASAP if he wants to turn this program around. And let's be real, the athletic department's willingness to invest in him is just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound... time for a new strategy! 
! I mean, four-star recruit and all... thought he was gonna stick it out with the Badgers 
. But I guess Oklahoma had some sweet treats to offer him 
. Luke Fickell's in a tough spot now, gotta pick up the pieces and try to salvage that 2026 class 
. At least they got Amari Latimer left, fingers crossed he can make a difference 
!
At this point, it feels like the Badgers are kinda stuck in neutral until they figure out what's going on.
Luke Fickell gotta do something to salvage this recruiting class or he's gonna be in trouble 
71st ranked overall by 247Sports? thats not good 
at least they got Amari Latimer left tho, fingers crossed he can carry the team