Wisconsin Football just pulled off a recruiting coup that could reshape its 2026 class. On Sunday, four-star running back Amari Latimer committed to the Badgers over programs like Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Florida State.
The decision surprised many, since each of those programs ranks in the top 10 nationally for the 2026 class, while Wisconsin ranks outside the top 35. However, the Badgers have been recruiting the 6-foot tailback for the past two years, and that tireless effort clearly paid off and meant a great deal to him.
How Wisconsin Beat Out Georgia and Michigan for Amari Latimer
Latimer is a four-star recruit from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia. The 6-foot, 215-pound running back held more than 40 scholarship offers, including from top-tier programs like Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, Texas, and Tennessee. All of those schools are currently ranked among the top 10 in the 2026 national recruiting class.
But he passed on those powerhouses and committed to the Badgers on Sunday. “I had an idea that I would choose Wisconsin when I was up there in the spring,” Latimer told On3. “I knew I liked it a lot. On the official visit is when I made the decision. On that visit, I knew Wisconsin was where I needed to be.”
🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star RB Amari Latimer has committed to Wisconsin🦡
More from @ChadSimmons_: https://t.co/UvpR7GXZ3R pic.twitter.com/89W4NDadip
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 28, 2025
He is Wisconsin’s second four-star recruit in the 2026 class, following wide receiver Jayden Petit, who committed just days earlier. The program has yet to land a five-star recruit but currently holds 13 three-star recruits in the class.
Head coach Luke Fickell and his staff made a lasting impression, having relentlessly pursued Latimer’s commitment over the past two years. The 4-star recruit praised the strong relationships he built with the coaching staff.
“I like the relationships they built with me,” he said about the connection he felt with the program. “I really like Coach Fickell and where the program is headed. The offensive coordinator, Coach Jeff Grimes, is great, and he’s bringing in a new offense.”
However, his commitment marks Wisconsin’s first running back recruit in this class. It also boosted the Badgers’ national recruiting ranking from No. 47 to No. 37, and their Big Ten ranking rose to No. 13.
Latimer’s pledge is a major win for Wisconsin in terms of national credibility. With him on board, more four-star prospects could be on the way.
