Wisconsin Badgers Sweet 16: June Edition for the 2021 class

The Sweet 16 ranking is based on a combination of three factors: position need, interest in Wisconsin and talent level.

Note: All quotes used in this report are from the Rivals.com network.

JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY |

Top 9: Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Stanford and Wisconsin

Previous Rank: 4

The Word: After a string of commitments in June, Nolan Rucci vaults back into the top spot of the Sweet 16. Wisconsin, Penn State and Clemson are believed to be the frontrunners for the No. 6 offensive tackle in the country.

"We’re just encouraging him to take his time and not make this decision any more difficult than it needs to be," his father, Todd Rucci, told Rivals.com. "When the time comes, he’ll be ready. Our goal, from a parent’s perspective, is to not make this a stressful environment. He’s in a fortunate position. We’re very thankful knowing that the offers he has will probably still be there in a few months, so there’s no reason not to take your time with this. The most important thing is to make sure you make the right decision. We just want him to take his time with the decision and when he is ready to commit, that will be the end of the process."

Top 7: Arizona State, Boise State, Oregon State, Kansas, Fresno State, Utah and Wisconsin

Previous Rank: 5

The Word: With Ricardo Hallman now on board at cornerback, all eyes turn to RJ Regan, who has already visited Wisconsin twice. The three-star prospect is expected to announce his decision in September.

“I’m still planning to commit in September around my birthday so everything is still going at the same pace, just not going on any official visits,” Regan told Rivals.com. "I’ve done a couple virtual tours of schools. It’s really different but still good because you get to see the campuses and stuff. I’m still figuring some stuff out.

“I still wanted to take the official visits just to experience what that was like so that wasn’t good," Regan said. "But I’m pretty confident in the school I want to choose in September."

(Unofficial) Top 5: Iowa, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and West Virginia

Previous Rank: 11

The Word: Things continue to trend in the right direction for Skyler Bell, who has been in close contact with position coach Alvis Whitted. The three-star prospect recently participated in a virtual visit to Wisconsin.

"When Wisconsin offered me a few weeks ago, I was really excited," Bell told BadgerBlitz.com. "It's a top 25 program every year and they are ranked No. 4 in the pre-season poll right now. They are a top school in the Big Ten with great academics.

"The virtual visit last week went really well. I was looking forward to it because I've never been out there to Wisconsin or the Midwest. I got my perception of Wisconsin out of my head and the visit blew me out of the water. Everything was beautiful with Camp Randall Stadium, the facilities and the town. I also got to talk a lot about academics, which I really liked."