Wisconsin Locks In In-State Linebacker Ben Wenzel - Here’s Why His Game Fits the Badgers’ Defensive Identity
The Wisconsin Badgers officially added a key piece to their future defense today, as in-state linebacker Ben Wenzel signed his national letter of intent and is now locked in as part of the 2026 class.
Wenzel, a three-star prospect from Appleton North (WI), committed to the Badgers back in June and brings the kind of high-motor, instinct-driven play that fits right into what Wisconsin has been building on the defensive side of the ball. Ranked 1219th nationally and 106th among linebackers in the 2026 class, Wenzel is also the sixth-ranked player in Wisconsin - and his commitment is another win for the Badgers in keeping homegrown talent within state lines.
He’s one of two Wisconsin natives in the 2026 class to commit to the program, joining Taylor Schaefer, a linebacker out of Iowa Central Community College who originally starred at Southern Door. Schaefer arrives in Madison with two years of junior college experience but will still be considered a freshman, giving Wisconsin some flexibility with his development.
What Ben Wenzel Brings to the Badgers’ Defense
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Wenzel has the frame and physicality to make an impact sooner rather than later. But what really stands out is how his game mirrors the traits that defined Wisconsin’s linebacker success this past season. The Badgers’ linebacker room was arguably the deepest and most productive unit on the roster, thanks to the emergence of young talents like Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa, who complemented veterans such as Christian Alliegro, Darryl Peterson, and Mason Reiger.
Still, with Reiger and Peterson set to depart, there’s a clear need for fresh contributors who can step in and keep the momentum going. That’s where Wenzel’s skill set becomes especially intriguing.
He’s a player who thrives on instincts - the type who reads plays quickly and reacts with confidence. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel praised that exact trait in Catalano and Posa earlier this year, and Wenzel brings a similar football IQ to the table. He’s not just reacting - he’s diagnosing, anticipating, and then attacking.
Wenzel also checks the boxes physically. His long wingspan and closing speed allow him to shut down plays before they can develop into chunk gains.
He’s aggressive at the point of attack, filling gaps with purpose and consistently meeting ball-carriers at the hole. That willingness to initiate contact - and do it with control - is a big part of what separates him from other linebackers in his class.
In coverage, Wenzel’s size and speed make him tough to shake, but it’s clear his bread and butter is in the run game. He’s a true downhill linebacker who always seems to be around the ball by the end of the play. His block-shedding ability has taken a noticeable leap forward since his junior year, and that growth suggests he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become in a college system.
A Role Similar to Catalano?
Looking ahead, Wenzel could find himself on a similar path to Catalano, who wasn’t projected to be a major contributor in his first season but forced his way into the rotation with strong camp performances and a mature understanding of the game. Wenzel shares many of those same traits - high football IQ, physical toughness, and a nose for the ball - and he could absolutely carve out a role early if he continues to develop at this pace.
For Wisconsin, it’s another smart addition to a linebacker group that’s been the heart of the defense for years. And for Wenzel, it’s a chance to represent his home state while playing the kind of football that’s made the Badgers a defensive force in the Big Ten.
Bottom line: this is a player who fits the Wisconsin mold - tough, smart, and relentless. And while he may not arrive with five-star hype, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to watch in Madison sooner than later.