Wisconsin Loses Top Edge Recruit to Big Ten Rival Iowa

Badgers miss out on 4-star Illinois native Tommy Riordan, who commits to the Hawkeyes instead.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:04pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a college football game or recruiting battle, with sharp planes of red, gold, and navy blue overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.Wisconsin's ongoing struggles against Iowa, both on the field and in recruiting, are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Madison Today

Wisconsin's football program has suffered another recruiting setback, as highly touted edge defender Tommy Riordan has committed to the rival Iowa Hawkeyes over the Badgers and several other programs. Riordan, a 4-star prospect from Illinois, was a key target for Wisconsin's outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, but ultimately chose to join Kirk Ferentz's squad in Iowa City.

Why it matters

This loss is a tough blow for the Badgers, who have struggled against Iowa in recent years both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Wisconsin is facing a significant turnover at the outside linebacker position after the 2026 season, making Riordan's commitment to the Hawkeyes an even bigger miss for the program.

The details

Riordan, ranked as the No. 13 player in Illinois by Rivals, had narrowed his choices down to Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas State and Minnesota. The Badgers had managed to get him on campus for a junior day visit in January and had an official visit scheduled for late May, but ultimately couldn't sway the talented edge defender away from the Hawkeyes. Iowa was considered the favorite throughout Riordan's recruitment.

  • Riordan verbally committed to Iowa on April 7, 2026.
  • Wisconsin had an official visit scheduled for Riordan on May 28-31, 2026.

The players

Tommy Riordan

A 4-star edge defender from Illinois, ranked as the No. 13 player in the state by Rivals. He committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes over offers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas State and Minnesota.

Matt Mitchell

Wisconsin's outside linebackers and special teams coach, who was leading the recruitment of Riordan for the Badgers.

Kirk Ferentz

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, who continues to get the better of Wisconsin both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING 4-star DL Tommy Riordan has committed to Iowa”

— Rivals

What’s next

Wisconsin outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell will now need to pivot to other top edge rusher targets, such as Jeron Allen II from Texas, who has an official visit to Madison scheduled for June 4-7.

The takeaway

This loss of a top in-state recruit to a Big Ten rival is a tough blow for the Badgers, who are facing significant turnover at the outside linebacker position and will need to work quickly to replenish their pipeline of edge defenders for the future.