The Wisconsin Badgers football team missed out on a potential defensive line addition Friday but continues to pursue several key prospects who have either already visited Madison or plan to do so in the coming weeks.
Three-star defensive lineman Blake Smythe committed to Indiana, announcing his decision on Instagram just hours after naming a top-six list that included Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisville, and Michigan State.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell and his staff have recently seen a few defensive line targets commit elsewhere. Three-star prospect Jake Johnson from Prosper, Texas, committed to USC on April 7. Johnson’s recruitment was likely influenced by former Wisconsin personnel staffer Max Stienecker, who now plays a role in USC’s enhanced recruiting department.
Despite these developments, several defensive line recruits remain on Wisconsin’s radar as the recruiting season intensifies:
King Liggins (Brother Rice, Chicago):
Liggins, a three-star defensive lineman, made an official visit to Wisconsin late last month and previously took an unofficial visit in March. On Thursday, a large portion of the Badgers’ defensive staff, including D-line coach E.J. Whitlow, visited him. Liggins also took official visits to Iowa and Illinois in April, with upcoming trips scheduled to Purdue (May 23–25), Indiana, Kansas State (June 5–7), and Virginia (June 12–15).
Yahya Gaad (South Gibson County, Tennessee):
Originally committed to SMU, Gaad — a three-star prospect — visited Wisconsin during spring practice last month and has scheduled an official visit from May 29 to June 1. He also plans to visit UCLA from May 16–18.
Jermaine Polk (St. Francis de Sales, Toledo, Ohio):
Wisconsin continues to recruit heavily in Ohio. Polk, rated a three-star by On3 and 247Sports, received an offer from the Badgers on April 12 and announced a return trip for an official visit from June 5 to 8.
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