Wisconsin Badgers Extend ‘Very Exciting’ Offer to Rising 2026 Tight End After Home Visit
The Wisconsin Badgers are strengthening their connection with three-star tight end Will Vala from Downers Grove, Illinois, who is showing promise as a versatile player in the 2026 recruiting class. Vala’s recruitment has gained momentum since January, and his relationship with assistant coach Nate Letton has been developing quickly over the past month.
Vala, a standout for Downers Grove North in Illinois, visited Wisconsin on April 5 to attend a spring practice session. Letton, who coaches the Badgers’ tight ends, worked closely with Vala during this visit. Fast forward to last week, when Vala had the chance to showcase his skills in front of Letton.
This interaction paid off when Letton extended a scholarship offer to Vala during an in-home visit.
“Everything started with my whole family at the table—my mom, dad, and brother,” Vala shared. “He began by asking if we had any questions about the program, Madison, or anything like that, but we didn’t have much to ask. My dad did, though, and then Coach Letton made the offer, which was really exciting—especially with my family there. It’s not something that usually happens with my other offers, so it was a special moment.”
After an awesome home visit and conversation with @NateLetton I am excited to announce that I have received an offer from The University of Wisconsin!@BadgerFootball @CoachFick @coachgrimey @CoachHoreniDGN @CoachCroci54 @CoachGuerrieri @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals @SWiltfong_… pic.twitter.com/XVLx5VdPYv
— Will Vala (@WillVala27) May 20, 2025
The conversation moved forward with discussions about academics, daily routines, game days, training camp, and what to expect during an official visit. Although not yet finalized, Vala plans to return to Madison for an official visit the weekend of June 13.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Vala noted that Letton envisions him playing a versatile role as an off-ball, H-back tight end, capable of pulling or lining up in the slot.
“Coaches who have seen my film, including my head coach, see my physicality as a key asset,” Vala explained. “I love being physical. I enjoy hitting and will do it aggressively. I’m not the biggest guy at 6-foot-3, but I can play Y tight end and move around the field. I can line up at the X, in the slot, H-back, or in-line, and I’m also capable of catching jump balls.”
Vala received his first offer from FCS Illinois State on January 27, and since then, his offer list has expanded to 27, with the latest coming from Miami (Ohio) on Thursday.
Wisconsin could become the third Big Ten school to host him for an official visit, following upcoming trips to Illinois (June 6-8) and Indiana (June 20-22). Other programs like Purdue, Louisville, and Kentucky are also high on his list.
Vala is leaning toward announcing his commitment in mid-to-late June after completing his official visits. Three key factors will guide his decision.
“First and foremost is the football program,” Vala said. “The head coach needs to be great, and the program should have a solid historical record. The tight end coach is also crucial, and the program has to be well-rounded overall.”
“Secondly, academics are important. Most Power Five schools, especially in the Big Ten and SEC, have strong academics, and Wisconsin is no exception. And finally, distance, which isn’t a concern for Wisconsin since it’s only about an hour-and-a-half from my home.”
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