The Elite 8 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.
No. 1 Jonathan Taylor
Committed to: Rutgers
The Word: With a spot still left to fill at tailback in the 2017 class, Jonathan Taylor, who is currently committed to Rutgers, is arguably Wisconsin’s top remaining target this fall. The three-star prospect from New Jersey took his official visit to UW earlier this month and could potentially take a few more trips before finalizing his decision.
"Once we take care of business this season Jonathan will have a better understanding as far as what he wants to do on National Signing Day," Montrey Wright, head coach at Salem High School, told BadgerBlitz.com. "He's taking a visit to Rutgers on Dec. 9 and that's the only other trip he has set right now. The three other schools are up in the air right now. We had a conversation about where else he wanted to visit, and Jonathan's goal right now is to finish the season and help accomplish our team goals. But once the season is over, he'll start to line the other visits up."
No. 2 Christian Cumber
Offers: Colorado, Michigan State, Nevada, Purdue, Wyoming and Wisconsin, among others
The Word: Michigan State and Wisconsin are believed to be the top two options for Christian Cumber, though he hasn’t ruled out other schools or visits at this point. The three-star prospect from Colorado will visit officially this weekend and could be the final cornerback the Badgers take in the 2017 class.
"I'm thankful for all the opportunities and the interest from all of the universities that offered me," Cumber told Rivals.com. "I'm looking forward to both of my scheduled official visits at Wisconsin and Michigan State. I am going to Wisconsin on Oct. 28 and to Michigan State on the Nov. 18.
"I still get contact from all of the schools that have offered me. I'm in consistent communication with Michigan State, Wisconsin, Colorado State and Purdue. I am on the board of several other schools that might offer, but I really don't want to say who."
