Where Wisconsin football's class of 2026 ranks after Zachary Taylor's decommitment
Three-star defensive back Zachary Taylor, who committed to Wisconsin in mid-June following his official visit, walked back his pledge and flipped to TCU. The Texas native had listed the Horned Frogs as a finalist before choosing the Badgers last month.
His flip drops the Badgers to 14 class of 2026 commitments. That group now ranks No. 58 nationally and No. 15 in the Big Ten. Its standing has fallen dramatically after late-June commitments from blue-chip running back Amari Latimer and wide receiver Jayden Petit brought the group's ranking into the mid-30s.
Notably, that standing is in line with the program's No. 59 finish in the 2023 cycle. Remember, Luke Fickell had only weeks to salvage Wisconsin's class that year after taking the job in late November. A high-50s national ranking during a normal cycle is far from the expectation under Fickell, a coach known for his recruiting prowess. Those high expectations were only heightened by his consecutive top-25 finishes in 2024 and 2025.
Wisconsin may go back to the drawing board at safety after Taylor's decommitment. Even if it lands a replacement, it's hard to see the class' standing improving significantly. Wisconsin needs a resurgent 2025 football season to build momentum entering next summer's class of 2027 cycle.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin recruiting class national ranking after Zachary Taylor flip
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