Wisconsin football pushing hard to keep 2027 in-state tackle Cole Reiter home
Wisconsin football is prioritizing 2027 blue-chip tackle Cole Reiter. Here’s where the Badgers stand in his recruitment and why he’s a top target.
Wisconsin football has always been built on the backs of offensive linemen. From Joe Thomas and Ryan Ramczyk to Kevin Zeitler, Tyler Biadasz, and Gabe Carimi, the program has leaned on in-state talent to fuel one of the most reliable pipelines in college football. That’s why the recruitment of Germantown offensive tackle Cole Reiter looms so large.
Reiter is one of the headliners in the 2027 class, ranked No. 166 nationally, the No. 17 offensive tackle in the cycle, and the No. 2 overall player in Wisconsin per the industry-generated composite.
The 6-foot-7, 307-pound tackle is already viewed as a blue-chip prospect with offers from Wisconsin, Kansas, Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa State, Washington State, Central Michigan, North Dakota State, and most notably, Ohio State. For the Badgers, the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
“I feel like I’m a pretty athletic offensive lineman,” Reiter said. “I’m a really aggressive offensive lineman, too, and I’m good at finishing blocks. I can move downfield easily, get to the second level fast, and get outside of defenders pretty fast. Aggressive and athletic is what I'd call my game."
Reiter has grown up around Wisconsin football. He’s been to Madison close to double-digit times already, and his game-day visits keep stacking up. He was in the stands for the season opener against Miami (OH), soaking in the 17–0 win and noting how much he enjoyed both the atmosphere and seeing Jeff Grimes’ new-look offense in action. He also plans to be back for the Middle Tennessee State matchup, making it two straight weekends on campus.
That level of interest says plenty. While he’s keeping the process open, Kansas has made him feel wanted, and Ohio State is starting to check in with more regularity, but Wisconsin is doing the right things early.
The staff, from offensive line coach AJ Blazek to offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, has prioritized building a family feel for Reiter. Each trip to Madison has been designed to show him a little something new they can offer, and the staff has worked hard to strengthen those relationships.
By all accounts, it’s working.