Wisconsin Targets Top Illinois Talent for 2027 Class

Badgers focus on Bolingbrook and Nazareth Academy prospects

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Wisconsin looks to build its 2027 recruiting class, the Badgers are heavily targeting top talent from the state of Illinois. With 28 known offers extended to Illinois prospects in the 2027 class, Wisconsin is focusing its efforts on players from the Bolingbrook and Nazareth Academy programs, two traditional hotbeds for the Badgers' recruiting efforts.

Why it matters

Illinois has long been a recruiting priority for Wisconsin due to the state's geographical proximity and the Badgers' history of success in landing top talent from the Land of Lincoln. Maintaining a strong presence in Illinois is crucial for Wisconsin to continue building competitive rosters year after year.

The details

The Badgers have already offered 28 prospects from Illinois in the 2027 class, including edge rusher Riordan from Bolingbrook. Wisconsin sees Riordan as an outside linebacker fit and has made him a top target, with Riordan indicating the Badgers are high on his list. Nazareth Academy, another Illinois powerhouse, is also a key recruiting focus for the Badgers as they look to add to their impressive list of past recruits from the state.

  • Wisconsin offered Riordan a scholarship at a camp performance last June.
  • Riordan visited Wisconsin for a junior day last month.

The players

Riordan

A three-star edge prospect from Bolingbrook, Illinois who picked up a Wisconsin offer after a standout camp performance last summer. The Badgers see him as a potential outside linebacker.

Gene Riordan

Riordan's older brother, who signed with Iowa in the 2026 recruiting class.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They envision me as an outside linebacker. It really showed they have put thought into my position on the team, and where I would fit. And, that really shows me a lot, that they have gone through that much to see where I would fit in on the defense.”

— Riordan (Badger247)

What’s next

The Badgers will continue to monitor Riordan's recruitment and look to host him on additional visits as they aim to secure a commitment from the talented Illinois prospect.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's recruiting efforts in Illinois remain a top priority as the Badgers look to build on their strong history of landing top talent from the state. The focus on players from Bolingbrook and Nazareth Academy highlights the program's ability to identify and recruit elite prospects from the Land of Lincoln.