The Wisconsin Badgers have officially locked in their quarterback for the 2026 class, signing three-star prospect Ryan Hopkins on Wednesday. And make no mistake-this wasn’t just another name on the board.
Hopkins was the guy for Wisconsin. Once he gave his verbal commitment back in April, the Badgers shut down the rest of their quarterback recruiting efforts.
No backup options, no insurance plans. They were all-in on the California native, and now that gamble has paid off.
Hopkins, listed at 6’3” and 195 pounds, brings a dual-threat skill set that gives Wisconsin some real versatility under center. He spent his senior season at Mater Dei, one of the premier high school football programs in the country.
That kind of pedigree matters. Even with other schools still sniffing around late in the process, Hopkins stayed true to his pledge, thanks in large part to consistent communication from the Wisconsin coaching staff.
In today’s recruiting landscape-where flips and late drama are the norm-that kind of stability is no small thing.
He becomes the only quarterback in Wisconsin’s 2026 class, following last year’s addition of Carter Smith. That’s a clear signal from the Badgers: they’re not looking to crowd the quarterback room. They’re betting on development and fit, not volume.
With Hopkins now officially on board, the Badgers have 12 signees in the fold. But the class isn’t quite complete yet.
All eyes now turn to four-star running back Amari Latimer, who’s shaping up to be the crown jewel of this cycle. After the recent decommitment of wide receiver Jayden Petit, Latimer stands as the lone blue-chip prospect still in play.
His recruitment has been one of the more eventful sagas of the fall, with interest pouring in from across the country. But as of signing day, it’s West Virginia that’s making the strongest final push.
Whether Wisconsin can close the deal on Latimer remains to be seen, but here’s what we do know: the Badgers have already built a solid foundation in this class. Hopkins joins a group that includes defensive linemen Arthur Scott and Djidjou Bah, cornerbacks Carsen Eloms and Donovan Dunmore, running back Qwantavius Wiggins, wideouts Keeyshawn Tabuteau and Zion Legree, offensive lineman Brady Bekkenhuis, linebacker Ben Wenzel, edge rusher Yahya Gaad, and tight end Jack Sievers.
It’s a balanced class, with pieces at every level of the field. But the quarterback is often the tone-setter, and in Ryan Hopkins, the Badgers believe they’ve found a leader who can grow into that role. He’s got the tools, the pedigree, and now, the opportunity.