Wisconsin’s 2027 class just picked up another boost, and this one comes with size.
Jack Thelen, the seven-footer committed to Greg Gard and the Badgers, has moved into four-star territory in 247Sports’ latest rankings. He’s now inside the top 150 nationally, coming in at No. 120, giving Wisconsin three top-150, four-star pledges in a class that already sits among the nation’s top five.
Thelen had been the quieter name next to Jalen Brown and Baboucarr Ann, both of whom entered the cycle as bigger recruiting magnets with four-star billing. But his stock climbed after a strong summer with D1 Minnesota, where he showed more of the game that has made him such an intriguing fit for Wisconsin.
During 3SSB play, especially out east in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Thelen kept flashing the traits that separate a big man from a true modern center. He showed his passing and vision, and the growth was even more noticeable on the defensive end, where he took on more of a leadership role, communicated well, controlled the paint, and knocked down some shots from distance.
There’s also a built-in connection in the class. Thelen shares AAU and high school ties with Ann, another future Badger, which only adds to the sense that this group could end up mattering a lot for Gard and his staff.
“It’s great just watching them. I mean, the history of the NCAA tournament, I think it’s 25 to 27 years, so that’s something I’m looking forward to in Madison,” Thelen said this Summer.
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Wisconsins 2027 Class Just Gave Greg Gard A Real Recruiting Win
Wisconsins 2027 recruiting class is already starting to look like something worth paying attention to, and it began with a trio of commitments that gives Greg Gard and his staff real momentum. Guard Jalen Brown, wing Baboucarr Ann and center Jack Thelen have all chosen the Badgers, giving the program a balanced early foundation with talent spread across the backcourt, perimeter and front line.
Brown arrives as the No. 68 recruit nationally and No. 4 prospect in Wisconsin, while Ann comes in as Minnesotas top-ranked player with national recognition from multiple services. Thelens rise has been just as notable, with the big man now a four-star recruit and No. 2 in Minnesota, and together the three pledges have put Wisconsin in position to build a class that could hold up well as the cycle continues. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin Still Has 3 Depth Chart Questions That Matter For Notre Dame
With Wisconsin set to unveil its official depth chart before Week 1 against Notre Dame, the biggest questions are still clustered in a few key spots. The quarterback battle between true freshman Ryan Hopkins and transfer Deuce Adams has not been settled, and the coaching staff has made clear the choice will come down to film as the Badgers close in on the opener.
Nolan Vils has also worked his way into the conversation on the defensive line, where he looks like a candidate to be part of the rotation. Tight end is another spot worth watching, with the group expected to go four deep and Emmett Bork and Davis still in a tight fight for the final role, leaving one of Wisconsins more interesting roster decisions hanging as Notre Dame approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin May Have Found A Rising Defensive Voice Fans Needed
The Badgers have spent much of Luke Fickells tenure reworking the staff around him, and one of the quieter but most important developments has come at inside linebacker. Tuf Borland, promoted from graduate assistant, has quickly earned a reputation as a top young coach while guiding a room that includes Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, two players who figure to matter a lot as Wisconsin tries to keep building defensive identity and consistency.
Borlands rise also fits the broader reality of this staff era in Madison, where change has been more common than stability since 2023. Wisconsin has had to keep identifying voices and teachers who can grow with the roster, and Borlands presence gives the defense a young coach with clear responsibility in a pivotal spot. Even as the program keeps adjusting elsewhere, this is the kind of internal development that can help settle things down on that side of the ball. [Read more 🡒]