Wisconsin men's basketball signs 2026 in-state guard LaTrevion Fenderson
In-state guard LaTrevion Fenderson officially signs with the Wisconsin men's basketball program as the first member of the Badgers 2026 recruiting class.
The Wisconsin men’s basketball program officially announced its first signing in the 2026 recruiting class, with in-state guard LaTrevion Fenderson putting pen to paper during the early national signing period.
Fenderson, a composite three-star prospect ranked No. 152 nationally and the top player in Wisconsin for the 2026 cycle, is someone that this coaching staff has had its eye on and prioritized for quite some time.
Recruited by assistant coach and fellow Racine native, Sharif Chambliss, Fenderson’s relationship with Wisconsin’s staff has grown over multiple years. The Badgers offered the 6-foot-4 guard in June 2023, following their annual advanced camp, and that early belief played a significant role in his decision to stay home.
He eventually committed to Wisconsin in August of 2024, choosing the Badgers over scholarship offers from Iowa State, Southern Utah University, and UW-Milwaukee, and now makes it official as the first member of the 2026 recruiting class. It’s also worth noting that the Badgers staff pushed for Fenderson to join the 2025 class before he officially chose to reclassify.
“We are excited about the addition of LaTrevion,” head coach Greg Gard said. “We feel that he brings a lot of physicality and athleticism to our line-ups in the future. The fact that he’s a Wisconsin kid, born and raised, and loves being a representative of the state is very important to him and our program.
“We’ve known LaTrevion for a long time and have been able to watch him mature and grow, and we’re thrilled to keep him home as a Badger. Our entire staff is looking forward to helping Tre grow into his potential both on and off the court here in Madison.”
Fenderson, who is the cousin of former Wisconsin Badgers point guard Kamari McGee, began his high school career at The Prairie School. He averaged 21.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, en route to first-team Division 4 all-state honors from the Coaches Association.
He also made his mark on the Under Armour circuit with Wisconsin Playground, where his athleticism, physicality, and motor skills began to catch the attention of college programs. He’s got good length for a wing, a sturdy frame that should only continue to develop, and he’s already a strong finisher around the basket who can get to the rim off the bounce.
His jumper is still developing, but there’s real promise there, enough that Wisconsin views him as a multi-level scoring threat as he continues to grow his game.
Following that junior-year breakout, Fenderson transferred to DME Academy at St. John’s Northwestern in Delafield for his senior season, where he averaged 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game.
“I’m thrilled to join the Wisconsin Badgers program,” Fenderson said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the vibrant spirit and passion of this incredible community. I am ready to give my all on the court and represent the winning tradition of this program.”
Wisconsin’s signing of Fenderson also comes on the heels of a 2025 class headlined by two priority in-state recruits, Zach Kinziger and Will Garlock, along with a pair of international additions.
It’s a blueprint the staff appears committed to replicating, blending homegrown prospects who carry a built-in level of buy-in with international players who often bring experience and fewer external pulls. In a college basketball landscape defined by roster turnover, the Badgers are leaning further into a recruit, develop, and retain model, and Fenderson fits that philosophy.
Fenderson’s signing marks another statement addition for Gard and his staff: a dynamic, athletic in-state prospect with a high motor and the kind of toughness that fits seamlessly into Wisconsin’s identity.
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