Wisconsin Set to Host Rising 2027 OT Prospect Reed Gerken as January Visit Schedule Heats Up
As the recruiting calendar turns its attention toward the 2027 class, Wisconsin is positioning itself to make an impression on one of the Midwest’s most intriguing young offensive line prospects. Reed Gerken, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle out of Perrysburg, Ohio, is set to visit Madison on January 31, capping off a busy stretch of visits that signals his rising stock on the national scene.
Gerken, a three-star recruit ranked No. 437 nationally and No. 38 among offensive tackles in the 2027 class, has been anything but under the radar. He’s already made the rounds at several top-tier programs, including stops at Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan State, Cincinnati, and Penn State. His offer sheet is expanding quickly, with schools like Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, NC State, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Virginia Tech already in the mix.
While Wisconsin and Indiana have yet to officially extend offers, both programs are clearly keeping close tabs on Gerken. And with the Badgers bringing him in for a visit at the end of the month, it’s safe to say he’s firmly on their radar.
January Visit Tour: Four Stops, Four Days
Gerken’s late-January tour is a whirlwind, featuring four visits in nine days:
- Michigan State - January 23
- Tennessee - January 24
- Indiana - January 25
- Wisconsin - January 31
The visits to Michigan State and Tennessee will be return trips-Gerken has been on campus at both schools before, giving him a chance to deepen those relationships. Indiana and Wisconsin, meanwhile, will be fresh opportunities to make a strong first impression. None of these four schools have offered yet, but with the 2027 recruiting cycle picking up speed, that could change in a hurry.
What Makes Gerken Stand Out
Gerken’s physical tools jump off the tape. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, he already brings the kind of size that college coaches covet, but it’s his athleticism and awareness that separate him from the pack. He moves well laterally, recovers quickly when beaten off the edge, and shows a high football IQ in how he handles stunts and blitz pickups.
What’s especially impressive is Gerken’s ability to adjust mid-play without drawing flags-something that’s not always common at this stage of development. He’s not just a big body; he’s a technician in progress, with the kind of footwork and agility that suggest he could thrive in both pass-heavy and power-run schemes.
Wisconsin’s 2027 Class Starting to Take Shape
As the Badgers evaluate Gerken, they’ve already begun laying the foundation for their 2027 class with two in-state commitments: tight end Korz Loken and offensive tackle Ethan McIntosh.
Loken, a four-star talent, is currently ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the country and the top overall recruit in Wisconsin. He’s a dynamic pass-catcher with the kind of frame and athleticism that could make him a matchup nightmare at the next level.
McIntosh, meanwhile, brings a familiar name to Badger fans-he’s the son of Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh and a standout lineman from Verona (WI). At three stars, he’s earned his own reputation as a polished, physical blocker with a strong pedigree and plenty of upside.
The Bottom Line
Reed Gerken is a name to watch in the 2027 cycle, and Wisconsin is making a timely move by getting him on campus before the month is out. While the Badgers haven’t offered yet, they’ll have a prime opportunity to make their pitch in person-and potentially join the growing list of suitors for one of Ohio’s top young linemen.
With Gerken’s blend of size, agility, and football intelligence, the interest he’s drawing is no surprise. And as schools across the country ramp up their focus on the 2027 class, don’t be surprised if his offer list-and his ranking-continue to climb.