Like many Wisconsin commits in the 2015 class, Brandyn Lee was caught off-guard by Gary Andersen's sudden departure for Oregon State.

But the 6-foot, 168-pound wide receiver from West Hills (CA) Chaminade remained solid to Wisconsin during the transition period, a decision largely based on academics.

"It was a big shock to hear that coach Andersen left," Lee told BadgerBlitz.com. "But at the end of the day, I know it was a business decision for him, and for me I committed to the school and the program. I definitely didn't expect him to leave so early, but he had to make the best decision for himself and his family.

"The tradition and the players that Wisconsin produces was the biggest thing for me, along with the academics. The business program there is top-notch, and that's something that made Wisconsin the best fit for me."

Saturday, Lee, a three-star prospect who committed to UW in June, had his first chance to speak with newly-hired head coach Paul Chryst.

"I talked to coach Chryst today and it was great talking to him for the first time," said Lee, who noted no other schools reached out after the coaching change. "We got off on a great foot and I think the program is going to be better with coach Chryst there right now.

"It was a great conversation. We just talked about how my visit to Wisconsin went and getting the application in. It was really just about getting to know each other and about our families. It was just getting our relationship started."

The Badgers have yet to have a decommitment in the current cycle. The 25 pledges have formed a tight-knit group that is excited to get to Madison.

"We all talked after coach Andersen left and we were all shocked," Lee said. "We loved coach Andersen but have stayed real strong as a unit. We're all going to make the best decision for ourselves, but we all committed to Wisconsin for the school. As a group, we all feel like we can make a big impact on the school regardless who the coach is."

From that group, Austin Kafentzis recently reaffirmed his commitment and is set to enroll at Wisconsin next month. Having his quarterback locked in was great news for Lee.

"Having Austin is big for me," Lee said. "I got to talk to him during my unofficial visit and he was real cool. It's going to be great to play with him and catch passes from him when we both get there. He's a great player."