Owen Tyler
Writer
Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) landed one of its most important recruiting victories of the Luke Fickell era when four-star wide receiver Jayden Petit committed to the Badgers earlier this year. Now the challenge is keeping him.
Petit, a 6-foot-4 playmaker from Naples (Fla.) St. John Neumann surged into the Top 100 nationally in the latest 247Sports rankings update, climbing from No. 209 all the way to No. 93. His rise makes him the most highly rated commit in Wisconsin’s 2026 class and a potential centerpiece of the Badgers’ offensive future.
But the same breakout that elevated his stock has also made him a prime flip target. Both On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Rivals analysts have logged predictions that Petit will eventually land at Oklahoma, creating immediate urgency inside Wisconsin’s recruiting operation.
On3’s report stated that Oklahoma is “in strong position to flip Wisconsin’s top commit.” Rivals echoed that sentiment, projecting a possible move to Norman after multiple visits during the fall.
Petit originally chose Wisconsin for more than football. In June, he highlighted the school’s academic strength as a major part of his decision.
“Academics was a big thing for me. I want to go into commercial real estate after football and Wisconsin is ranked No. 1,” Petit said in an interview with the Naples Daily News.
That message is exactly what Wisconsin must continue to reinforce. With his frame, athletic profile, and ability to win downfield, Petit has the potential to become the Badgers’ most dangerous boundary receiver in years. The Wisconsin staff has pitched him as a future focal point in their offense, and his path to early playing time in Madison is clear.
Losing him would be a significant setback. Wisconsin has worked to reshape its receiver room with bigger, more explosive downfield threats, and Petit fits that mold better than almost anyone the Badgers have recruited under Fickell. His commitment also helps attract other high-level offensive talent, something Wisconsin cannot afford to weaken as it continues to build a new identity in the Big Ten.
Oklahoma’s push is no secret. Petit has visited Norman multiple times, including an in-season trip, and the Sooners have prioritized him as one of their top receivers in the 2026 cycle. Their national profile, wide-open offensive approach, and SEC trajectory make them one of the hardest programs in the country to hold off once they commit to flipping a recruit.
This is why Wisconsin must act aggressively to secure Petit. The staff needs to stay connected daily, emphasize development plans, and show how he would be featured early in Jeff Grimes’ system. The academic fit, NIL support, and long-term career opportunities Wisconsin offers should also remain front and center.
The Badgers earned their first victory by landing Petit. The tougher battle is ahead. With Oklahoma pushing and national analysts shifting their predictions, Wisconsin faces a defining retention challenge in the 2026 class. If they can keep Petit locked in, they secure a true difference-maker. If they cannot, they risk losing a player who could reshape their offense for years.
Bryson Blue
Writer
After almost a week of anticipation, the star quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, Dante Moore, has made his decision on his future.
Cody Croy
Writer
Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing has signed with Ohio State. The Illinois native will have one season of eligibility remaining. He is a former 3-star recruit in the class of 2020. Welcing, who will be gearing up for his sixth season of college football, spent five of them with the Northwestern Wildcats. Battling injury, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive linemen Qua Russaw and James Smith have announced their commitment to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The pair visited Ohio State together last week. The Buckeyes now have 11 transfer portal additions and 30 departures during this cycle. Qua Russaw, a redshirt junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. […]
