Wisconsin Now Without Any 2026 OL Commits After Another Flip to a Big Ten Rival
The Wisconsin Badgers saw both of their scholarship offensive line recruits in the 2026 class back out this week.
On Monday, three-star Virginia tackle Maddox Cochrane decommitted. Two days later, fellow three-star lineman Benjamin Novak reversed course and switched his pledge from Wisconsin to his home-state program, Indiana.
Within 48 hours — and just two weeks before the early signing period — Luke Fickell’s staff suddenly has zero scholarship offensive linemen committed for 2026.
Wisconsin still holds a preferred walk-on commitment from in-state prospect Aiden Dirksen (Bay Port), but the coaching staff now faces a major rebuilding task in the trenches.
Offensive line coach A.J. Blazek moved quickly on Wednesday, offering a scholarship to four-star Maryland lineman Brady Bekkenhuis, who is currently committed to Boston College. The Badgers also maintain offers to several uncommitted prospects, including in-state three-star James Thomas of Oak Creek.
However, the staff must also be wary of a larger pattern: Novak becomes the fourth recruit to decommit from Wisconsin’s 2026 class during the season.
Losing both linemen is a significant setback, and the Badgers now need to stabilize the class and prevent further departures.
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