The Wisconsin Badgers just landed a key piece for their 2026 recruiting class, flipping three-star wide receiver Keeyshawn Tabeteau from Vanderbilt. The Tennessee native had been committed to the Commodores since June, but on Wednesday, he announced he’s heading to Madison instead.
This is a significant pickup for Wisconsin - not just because they added a talented pass-catcher, but because it comes at a crucial time. The Badgers were in need of another receiver after losing four-star Jayden Petit to Oklahoma last weekend, a move that left a noticeable gap in their offensive plans for the future. With Tabeteau on board, they now have a second wideout in the class to pair with four-star Zion Legree.
Let’s not overlook the context here. Wisconsin flipped an in-state recruit from a program that’s been ranked in the top 15 this year.
That’s not just a win on the recruiting trail - it’s a statement. It shows that the Badgers are still very much in the mix when it comes to pulling talent from SEC territory, even when the competition is stiff.
The wide receiver situation in this 2026 class has been a bit of a roller coaster for Wisconsin. Originally, the plan was to bring in three receivers.
That trio included Petit, Legree, and Tayshon Bardo. But things shifted.
The Badgers and Bardo parted ways in what was described as a mutual decision, and efforts to bring in a replacement at the time didn’t pan out.
Then came the departure of Petit, which, while disappointing, had started to feel like a move that was coming. That left Wisconsin with just Legree in the fold - until now.
With Tabeteau’s commitment, the Badgers reach 14 total commits in the 2026 class and re-establish some balance at the wide receiver position. It’s not just about numbers, though. Tabeteau brings a skill set that should complement Legree nicely, giving Wisconsin a solid one-two punch at the position as they continue to build out their future offense.
This move also shows the staff’s ability to pivot quickly and effectively. Losing a top-tier recruit like Petit could’ve left a bigger dent, but Wisconsin responded by securing a promising talent who was already pledged elsewhere. That’s the kind of recruiting resilience that can keep a program competitive in the long run.
There’s still work to be done before National Signing Day, but flipping Tabeteau is a strong step forward - and a reminder that the Badgers aren’t backing down in the race for 2026 talent.