MADISON, Wis. – It turned out that Luke Fickell had no reason to worry.
The University of Wisconsin head coach was hopeful that the results on the field wouldn’t cause members of his highly ranked third recruiting class to start rethinking their commitment or, worse yet, reopen their decision-making process entirely.
From the time the Badgers’ 2024 season ended without a bowl game for the first time in 23 years to the first day of the early signing period, Wisconsin's staff only saw one prospect de-commit. Twenty-three kids signed paperwork to join Fickell’s program, a class that ranks 20th in the Rivals.com rankings with 10 four-star recruits from eight different states.
“To see guys not waver,” Fickell said. “That faith and belief that the games and what you see on Saturday isn’t everything. For those guys to hold with us and believe in us … relationships, trust, and belief in this process still win out.”
Critically adding depth to the defensive line, we look at the signing of Denton (TX) Guyer defensive tackle Xavier Ukponu and how his addition improves the program.
Stats
Ukponu’s numbers steadily improved from his sophomore to senior season. Posting 33 tackles and five tackles for loss in 16 games in 2022, Ukponu tallied 32 tackles, eight TFLs, two sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries en route to second-team all-district honors. Last season, Ukponu posted his highest tackle number (64) to go with six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and 13 quarterback hits.
“I feel like I got really good use of my hands and playing the run better,” Ukponu said. “I am embracing the kind of player I am and playing with good leverage.”
Recruiting Competition
The 18th commitment in Wisconsin’s 2025 class, Ukponu had over 30 offers when he committed to the Badgers, including scholarships from Florida, LSU, Miami (FL), Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC.
“Baylor, Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Stanford all reached out, but I shut it down,” Ukponu said of the outside interests. “I am committed, and I know where I want to go.”
