Wisconsin football lands verbal commitment from 2026 in-state LB
Wisconsin football has landed in-state linebacker Ben Wenzel, a high-motor 2026 defensive prospect who fits the Badgers' physical, downhill identity.
There are very few things fans of the University of Wisconsin football program love more than seeing an in-state kid live out his dream—and that’s exactly what 2026 linebacker Ben Wenzel gets to do.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound backer out of Appleton North committed to the Badgers shortly after wrapping up his official visit to Madison, becoming the first in-state recruit to join Wisconsin’s 2026 class—a meaningful addition after missing out on a few of the state’s higher-ranked targets.
“I am staying home. Roll Badgers,” he said.
This one had been trending in Wisconsin’s direction for a while. Wenzel had built strong ties with both Mike Tressel and assistant linebackers coach Tuf Borland.
By the time Wenzel stepped foot on campus for his official visit, the Badgers had effectively cleared out their inside linebacker board after a few missteps. That was clearly no accident.
Wenzel fits what this staff looks for—not just in terms of physical profile but also in mindset. He’s wired the right way. He wasn’t interested in bouncing around or chasing the biggest offer.
Wenzel was looking for a program that matched his values. A place to develop, stay grounded, and build himself up. That’s what led him to Madison.
What Wisconsin is getting
Wenzel isn’t ranked like a blue-chip prospect, but the production and tools are there. He checks in as a composite three-star recruit, rated No. 5 in Wisconsin and No. 107 among linebackers nationally.
His offer list included Oklahoma, Michigan State, Kansas, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Western Michigan, Wyoming, and several other programs—but UW always felt like home.
As a junior, Wenzel posted 83 tackles, four forced fumbles, three blocked field goals, and averaged double-digit tackles per game. He earned First Team All-Conference and All-Region honors in the Fox Valley Association, one of the more competitive leagues the state has to offer.
Physically, Wenzel brings length, decent range, and the kind of frame that can easily carry another 15–20 pounds after working with Brady Collins in a college strength program. On tape, you see a natural MIKE linebacker—quick to diagnose, disciplined in pursuit, and consistently finishing plays. His instincts, change-of-direction ability, and feel for positioning are what separate him.
And in this program, kids whose effort exceeds even their raw talent—and who genuinely want to wear the motion W—tend to find their way onto the field for the Badgers at some point in their careers.
Why it matters
With Wenzel now in the fold, Luke Fickell and the Badgers have filled both of its spots at inside linebacker for the 2026 cycle, pairing him with Aden Reeder.
Add that duo to 2025 signees Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, and you’re starting to see the foundation take shape for what this staff wants the middle of the Badgers defense to look like in the future.
This is the kind of addition that fits Wisconsin’s blueprint under Fickell: a high-upside athlete with strong regional ties, the right mindset, and the physical tools to develop into a dependable piece in the middle of the defense. He’s not a finished product—but he checks a lot of the boxes this staff values: toughness, coachability, and a desire to improve.
It’s also another reminder of the importance of winning regional battles. Keeping an intriguing player like Wenzel home is exactly the kind of quiet momentum play that pays dividends—especially as the staff heads into a loaded summer visit slate and spots left to fill.
Wenzel becomes the ninth known commitment in Wisconsin’s 2026 class, joining quarterback Ryan Hopkins, wide receiver Tayshon Bardo, cornerback Carsen Eloms, offensive linemen Benjamin Novak and Maddox Cochrane, edge rusher Carmelow Reed, linebacker Aden Reeder, and and defensive lineman Arthur Scott.
Bottom line: this wasn’t a flashy pickup. But it was a meaningful one. Wenzel fits the culture, fits the scheme, and fits the long-term vision for Wisconsin football.
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