Badgers to 'Keep Pushing Forward' Despite Decommitments

Wisconsin's head coach talked about the recent recruiting losses.

Luke Fickell and the University of Wisconsin football program had a week to forget on the recruiting trail for the 2025 class. 

First, Middleton defensive end Torin Pettaway abruptly flipped his commitment to Minnesota. Then, Badgers three-star safety Cody Haddad de-committed from Wisconsin after visiting Ohio State because he "wants to see what other schools have to offer." 

It's worth mentioning that a Buckeyes recruiting insider placed a crystal ball prediction for Haddad to land with Ohio State. 

These somewhat unexpected commitment shifts have left the Wisconsin football team with a few spots to fill, reducing the Badgers' total verbal commitments for the 2025 class to seven. Despite this dip, the recruiting class is still rated No. 13 in the country, according to the composite.

"It's unfortunately a little bit of what high school is right now," Fickell told reporters. "I mean, everything is happening faster, so guys commit earlier, and then all of a sudden, they recognize that maybe there's something else out there. I think it comes down to guidance.

"It can cause you a lot of sleepless nights, but I know this, that we'll end up with the right ones. ...You've just got to keep pushing forward."

Some Thoughts on Wisconsin Football Recruiting 

While it's disappointing that the Wisconsin football program lost two commits for the 2025 class, it's essential to remember that no recruit is irreplaceable, no matter how talented. There's plenty of time to find suitable replacements who are the proper schematic fits for the Badgers.