The Wisconsin Badgers are wasting no time getting ahead of the curve in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and their early focus is clear: lock down the home turf.
So far, the Badgers have already secured three in-state commitments - a strong early haul considering they’ve only been in serious contact with a limited number of prospects. Headlining the group is four-star tight end Korz Loken, who currently holds the title as the top-rated recruit in Wisconsin.
Joining him are three-star offensive tackle Ethan McIntosh and unranked but promising safety Dustin Roach. All three are Wisconsin natives, and their early pledges speak volumes about the Badgers’ renewed emphasis on building from within.
But the work is far from done - and there’s another name heating up on the radar: Kingston Allen.
Allen, a standout from Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in the state. A three-star athlete with positional versatility, Allen is listed as the No. 370 overall prospect in the nation, the 23rd-ranked athlete, and the fourth-best player in Wisconsin for the 2027 class. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he’s a dynamic playmaker who could project as either a safety or a running back at the next level.
Wisconsin has shown serious interest in Allen, and the relationship appears to be gaining traction. He recently made a campus visit, where he connected with the Badgers’ staff and new running backs coach Jayden Everett. That visit could prove pivotal, especially considering that former RB coach Devon Spalding was the one who initially extended Allen’s offer and had been the main point of contact.
While Allen has made a name for himself as a running back, his future might lie on the defensive side of the ball. He’s shown legitimate potential as a safety - a position that could suit his athleticism and instincts at the college level. Whether that transition happens in Madison remains to be seen, but the Badgers are clearly keeping their options open.
Right now, Allen holds five scholarship offers: Eastern Michigan, Northwestern, North Dakota, North Dakota State, and Wisconsin. The Badgers extended their offer in November, right after Allen’s stock began to rise following a strong stretch of performances. While Big Ten rivals Iowa and Minnesota have been sniffing around, they haven’t officially offered - yet.
Allen isn’t the only in-state prospect the Badgers are monitoring closely. Offensive lineman Cole Reiter is another big-time name to know.
Reiter, a four-star recruit, ranks just behind Loken as the second-best player in Wisconsin and is currently slotted at No. 167 nationally in the 2027 class. At 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds, he’s a physical force up front - the kind of lineman who can anchor a Big Ten offensive line for years.
Wisconsin and Kansas are currently the two programs most involved in his recruitment.
For the Badgers, the blueprint is clear: dominate the in-state recruiting battles early, build a foundation with local talent, and create momentum heading into the heart of the 2027 cycle. With three commitments already in the fold and serious traction with a few more, Wisconsin is off to a strong - and very strategic - start.