Wisconsin Impresses Top DL Recruit Anitoni Tahi on Unofficial Visit

Tahi enjoyed the facilities, coaching staff, and practice at Wisconsin ahead of his official visit this summer.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:42am

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Chandler (Ariz.) Basha defensive lineman Anitoni Tahi took an unofficial visit to the University of Wisconsin this past weekend, where he was able to take in a spring practice and meet with the coaching staff. Tahi was impressed with the facilities, the intensity of the practice, and the energy of head coach Luke Fickell and defensive line coach EJ Whitlow.

Why it matters

Tahi is one of the top defensive line recruits in the 2024 class, and his visit to Wisconsin is an important step in the Badgers' efforts to land a commitment from the talented prospect. Wisconsin is looking to reload its defensive line after losing several key contributors, and Tahi could be a key piece in their future plans.

The details

During his visit, Tahi was able to watch a Wisconsin spring practice and meet with the coaching staff. He was particularly impressed with the intensity of the practice and the energy of defensive line coach EJ Whitlow. Tahi also enjoyed the campus and facilities in Madison, describing it as a "beautiful college town." The visit has positioned Wisconsin well ahead of Tahi's upcoming official visits to Minnesota, Kansas State, Iowa State, and potentially Arizona State.

  • Tahi took an unofficial visit to Wisconsin this past weekend.
  • Tahi has an official visit scheduled to Minnesota on May 28, followed by Kansas State on June 5, Wisconsin on June 11, and Iowa State on June 19.
  • Tahi is also planning to take an official visit to Arizona State, with the date still to be determined.

The players

Anitoni Tahi

A defensive lineman prospect from Chandler (Ariz.) Basha High School, considered one of the top recruits in the 2024 class.

Luke Fickell

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin football team.

EJ Whitlow

The defensive line coach for the University of Wisconsin football team.

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What they’re saying

“Man, it was good. The facility is nice and I really like how coach (EJ) Whitlow coaches. He brings the juice for sure.”

— Anitoni Tahi

“Madison is a beautiful place. It is a college town for sure.”

— Anitoni Tahi

“Coach Fickell is a good coach. He also brings the juice.”

— Anitoni Tahi

What’s next

Tahi has several official visits scheduled in the coming months, including to Minnesota, Kansas State, Iowa State, and potentially Arizona State. His official visit to Wisconsin is set for June 11.

The takeaway

Wisconsin has made a strong early impression on one of the top defensive line recruits in the 2024 class. Tahi's positive experience on his unofficial visit has positioned the Badgers well ahead of his upcoming official visits, as they look to land a commitment from the talented prospect to bolster their future defensive line.