Recently, Wisconsin football made headlines in the recruiting world by extending offers to two promising athletes from the class of 2026: quarterback Ryan Hopkins and defensive lineman Josiah Hope. These offers reflect the coaching staff’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the future of the program and highlight the talent that high school athletes are showcasing across the nation.

Ryan Hopkins, a 6-foot-3 quarterback from JSerra Catholic High School in California, has emerged as a noteworthy prospect in his class. His journey to receiving an offer from Wisconsin began when he caught the eye of offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who has been actively involved in scouting and recruiting talented quarterbacks. On October 11, Hopkins received his official offer from the Badgers, marking a significant milestone in his budding football career.

Hopkins is currently considered the No. 57-ranked quarterback and the No. 87 overall recruit in the class of 2026 according to 247Sports. His ranking speaks volumes about his potential and the expectations surrounding him. The young signal-caller has already attracted attention from other programs, including Michigan State, which offered him on September 4. This early interest from multiple schools indicates that Hopkins possesses a skill set that can translate to success at the collegiate level.

In the 2024 season, Hopkins has been putting up impressive numbers through his first five games. He has thrown for 681 yards, showcasing his passing ability with eight touchdown throws. Not only is he effective through the air, but he has also demonstrated his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, accumulating 391 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. This combination of skills makes him a formidable opponent on the field and a valuable asset to any college program. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will likely be a focal point for the Wisconsin coaching staff as they look to incorporate him into their offensive scheme.

On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin has also shown interest in bolstering its defensive line with the offer extended to Josiah Hope. Hope, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive lineman from North Hardin High School in Radcliff, Kentucky, received his Wisconsin offer on October 14. While he may not yet have a ranking in the recruiting landscape, the interest he has garnered from various programs speaks to his potential as a rising star in his class.

Despite being unranked at this stage in the recruiting process, Hope has already drawn offers from several notable schools, including Auburn, Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, and Louisville. This early attention from major programs highlights his talent and the potential he has to make an impact at the collegiate level. As a junior, Hope has been working hard to improve his skills and showcase his abilities on the field, and it seems to be paying off.

The Wisconsin coaching staff’s focus on both sides of the ball with these offers is a testament to their strategic approach to building a balanced and competitive roster. The commitment to recruiting not just offensive talent, but also key defensive players, is crucial for any successful program. A strong defense can often be the difference-maker in close games, and bringing in athletes like Hope can help solidify that side of the ball for years to come.

As the Badgers look to strengthen their recruiting class for 2026, it is worth noting that they have already secured two commitments: three-star quarterback Jarin Mock and three-star interior offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. These early commitments illustrate the coaching staff’s proactive approach to recruiting, ensuring that they are not just focusing on individual players but also on building a cohesive class that can contribute to the team’s success in the future.

The addition of Hopkins and Hope to the recruiting conversation demonstrates Wisconsin’s ongoing commitment to identifying and pursuing talented athletes who fit the program’s culture and philosophy. The Badgers have a rich history of developing players and helping them reach their full potential, and these two prospects could be the next in line to benefit from that tradition.

Recruiting is often a long and competitive process, with many factors influencing a player’s decision on where to commit. For Hopkins, the opportunity to play in the Big Ten and compete against some of the best defenses in the country is likely appealing. The chance to work under a respected offensive coordinator like Longo, who has a track record of developing quarterbacks, could also play a significant role in his decision-making process.

For Hope, the appeal of Wisconsin lies not only in the chance to play in a prestigious conference but also in the opportunity to develop as a player in a program that values strong defensive play. The Badgers have historically produced talented defensive linemen, and Hope could see Wisconsin as a place where he can grow and maximize his potential.

As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, Wisconsin football’s efforts to secure top talent like Hopkins and Hope will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Badgers’ ability to attract high-caliber athletes will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success on the field in the coming years. Building a strong recruiting class is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the Big Ten, and these offers represent a significant step in that direction.

However, the offers extended to Ryan Hopkins and Josiah Hope reflect Wisconsin football’s commitment to securing top talent for the future. Both athletes showcase impressive skills and potential, making them valuable targets for the coaching staff. As Wisconsin continues to build its recruiting class for 2026, the focus on both offensive and defensive talent will be key to establishing a well-rounded and competitive roster. The development of these players, along with the commitments already secured, will shape the future of the Badgers program and its pursuit of excellence in college football.