The Wisconsin Badgers are making early moves on the 2027 recruiting trail, and one of their latest targets is a name that’s beginning to generate real buzz: Reed Gerken, a three-star offensive tackle out of Perrysburg, Ohio. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman recently picked up a scholarship offer from Wisconsin following an in-home visit from the coaching staff - and he’s set to be on campus soon.
Gerken currently ranks as the No. 437 overall prospect in the 2027 class, with a composite rating of 88 that puts him in striking distance of four-star status. He’s also the 38th-ranked offensive tackle nationally and the No. 15 recruit in the state of Ohio. That kind of profile has already drawn offers from a host of programs - Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, NC State, and Virginia Tech are all in pursuit - and now Wisconsin has officially thrown its hat in the ring.
But this isn’t just a cold offer. The groundwork has already been laid between Gerken and the Badgers, thanks in large part to offensive line coach Eric Mateos.
Mateos has been in steady contact with Gerken over the past few weeks, building a relationship that led to the recent offer. With Gerken now scheduled for a campus visit, Wisconsin is positioning itself as a serious contender in what’s shaping up to be a competitive recruitment.
On the field, Gerken plays with the kind of physicality and polish that coaches love to see at this stage. He’s not just big - he’s athletic, smart, and downright nasty in the trenches.
Whether it’s locking up defenders in pass protection or driving them into the turf in the run game, Gerken brings a level of power and technique that’s already standing out. He finishes blocks with authority, rarely gives up ground, and consistently keeps defenders from disengaging.
Simply put, when he gets his hands on you, the play is usually over.
But there’s more to his game than just brute strength. Gerken plays with a high football IQ, demonstrating a strong grasp of leverage, positioning, and how to counter different pass-rush looks.
It’s rare to see him out of position, and he’s not the kind of lineman who racks up penalties. That combination of physical tools and mental sharpness makes him a natural leader up front - and a player who fits perfectly into what Wisconsin is building along the offensive line.
That’s where Mateos’ vision comes into play. Since arriving in Madison, Mateos has been reshaping the offensive line into a more athletic, aggressive unit - and Gerken checks every box.
His frame, his finishing ability, his understanding of the game - all of it aligns with the type of lineman Wisconsin wants moving forward. He’s not a project; he’s a plug-and-play talent who could thrive in the Badgers’ system with minimal adjustment.
Of course, getting Gerken to Madison won’t be easy. While Wisconsin has made a strong early impression, the competition is only going to heat up.
Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Indiana are all watching closely, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more national programs jump in as Gerken’s profile continues to rise. With his combination of size, skill, and upside, he’s the kind of prospect who could have his pick of top-tier programs by the time decision day comes around.
Still, Wisconsin has done what it needed to do early: identify a high-upside talent, build a relationship, and get him on campus. Now it’s about continuing to build that trust, showing him the fit, and proving that Madison is the place where he can take his game to the next level. The race for Reed Gerken is officially on - and the Badgers are right in the thick of it.