Wisconsin lands 2026 preferred walk-on commit from Waunakee’s McCoy Smith
Wisconsin football has landed a preferred walk-on commitment in the 2026 recruiting class from Waunakee athlete McCoy Smith.
Waunakee standout McCoy Smith has announced his commitment to the Wisconsin football program as a preferred walk-on in the 2026 recruiting class, adding another in-state prospect to the team.
“I am so excited to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin–Madison to continue my academic and athletic career,” Smith shared.
“I would like to thank all of my coaches who got me where I am today, and my parents for all the sacrifices they have made for me. Also, a special thank you to the UW coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. On Wisconsin.”
For Smith, who grew up awfully close to Camp Randall Stadium, the opportunity to wear the Motion W feels personal. “I’m very excited to represent my home state, and I grew up a Badger fan,” Smith said.
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound athlete earned his opportunity in a way few expected, by switching sides of the ball. Known primarily for his work on defense for Waunakee High School, Smith was approached by Wisconsin tight ends coach Nate Letton ahead of the Badgers’ summer camp with an unusual request: to sign up as a fullback.
“I had a meeting with them before I went to their camp, and they asked me to sign up as a fullback,” Smith said. “And I am fully embracing the challenge and change. I love the fullback position and can’t wait to play it.”
That team-first mindset and willingness to adapt is exactly the type of trait Wisconsin’s coaching staff values. Smith went through a full slate of combine testing and positional work at camp, impressing Badgers staffers with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, a 10-foot-2 broad jump, and nearly a 40-inch vertical, all while showcasing the strength that’s made him one of the most productive defenders in the state.
According to WisSports.net, Smith finished his junior season with 80 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, earning Badger Large Defensive Lineman of the Year and first-team all-conference honors while helping Waunakee capture a conference title. However, it was his transition to fullback and how seamlessly he handled it that sealed his opportunity.
“I went to their camp as a fullback over the summer and then got the preferred walk-on offer,” Smith shared. “And I believe that I can prove myself, so that’s why I committed as a preferred walk-on.”
Smith credits Wisconsin’s coaching staff — particularly Letton and assistant tight ends coach Joe Ludwig for making the recruiting process straightforward and supportive. “I like the UW coaching a lot,” Smith said. “They have been great through this process, specifically Coach Letton and Coach Ludwig. I look forward to playing under them.”
When asked what ultimately made Wisconsin feel like the right place to call home, Smith pointed to the program’s long-term vision under Fickell.
“Their vision for the future and the staff was what made me think this is the right fit,” Smith said.
For Fickell and the staff, Smith’s addition is more than just another in-state walk-on. It’s a reflection of the identity they’re trying to rebuild in Madison: tough, nasty, disciplined, and proud to play for Wisconsin.
Smith also held offers from UW–River Falls and Winona State, with additional interest from Northern Illinois, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, and several Division II programs. Still, the chance to represent his home state school ultimately proved too meaningful to pass up.
Waunakee to Madison has always been a short drive. Now, it’s the route that turned McCoy Smith from a small-town standout into Wisconsin’s latest preferred walk-on commit in the 2026 class — and potentially, the next in a long line of in-state players who turned opportunity into impact.
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Good for him. I am sure he grew up a Badger fan too