The Wisconsin Badgers took a tough hit on National Signing Day, as four-star running back Amari Latimer flipped his commitment to West Virginia - a major shift that reshapes the outlook of Wisconsin’s 2026 recruiting class.
Latimer, a Georgia native and one of the most coveted backs in the cycle, had been the crown jewel of Wisconsin’s summer haul. The Badgers had fought off a host of Power Five programs to land him, and with his brother, Geimere Latimer, already on the roster, it looked like Wisconsin had a strong inside track. But recruiting battles like this one are rarely over until the ink dries - and in this case, it didn’t go the Badgers' way.
Throughout the fall, Latimer kept the door open, taking visits and keeping several programs in the mix. Miami was widely seen as the biggest threat down the stretch, but in a late surge, West Virginia emerged as the true contender - and ultimately, the winner. The Mountaineers closed strong, adding Latimer to a class that now boasts 43 commitments, signaling a serious push in their 2026 recruiting efforts.
For Wisconsin, this one stings. Latimer wasn’t just a top target - he was the target at running back.
The Badgers had essentially cleared the rest of their board at the position to focus on bringing him in, which makes his flip even more impactful. Losing a high-level back like Latimer, especially this late in the process, puts pressure on the staff to reassess and potentially pivot quickly.
That said, all is not lost in Madison. Wisconsin still landed three-star Georgia running back Qwantavius Wiggins, who signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.
Wiggins is a strong prospect in his own right - physical, explosive, and with a game that could translate early in the Big Ten. He may not carry the same recruiting pedigree as Latimer, but he’s a name to watch as the Badgers look to reload at the position.
With Latimer’s departure, Wisconsin’s 2026 class now sits at 12 signees. There’s still a window to add another piece or two in the coming days, but there’s no question this was a significant development in the Badgers’ recruiting cycle.