Wisconsin’s 2026 recruiting struggles deepen as highly touted linebacker CJ Sanna commits to Ohio State, dealing a blow to the Badgers’ efforts.

Recruiting is a constant, ever-evolving battle in college football, and it’s no secret that the success of a program often depends on the ability to attract and develop top-tier talent. For a team like the Wisconsin Badgers, whose identity has long been built on a strong defense, a powerful running game, and a commitment to player development, recruiting is essential to maintaining and improving their standing in the competitive Big Ten Conference. However, the Badgers’ recruiting efforts have faced challenges in recent years, and the 2026 class is no exception.

One of the most significant blows to the Badgers’ 2026 recruiting class came recently when highly touted linebacker CJ Sanna announced his commitment to Ohio State, a major powerhouse in college football and a frequent rival of Wisconsin in both the recruiting and competitive arenas. Sanna’s decision to spurn the Badgers and choose Ohio State is not just a loss of talent for Wisconsin—it’s a sign of the uphill battle they face in continuing to recruit at a high level in the ever-competitive recruiting landscape.

This article delves into the implications of Sanna’s decision, why Wisconsin’s 2026 recruiting efforts continue to struggle, and what it means for the future of the program. We will also explore the broader context of the Big Ten’s recruiting competition and what steps Wisconsin may need to take to regain its footing in the race for top recruits.

The Significance of CJ Sanna’s Commitment

CJ Sanna, a 4-star linebacker out of Illinois, has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class. Known for his ability to make plays all over the field, Sanna’s speed, football IQ, and leadership qualities have made him a key target for numerous top-tier programs across the country. His decision to choose Ohio State over Wisconsin and several other programs was undoubtedly a major win for the Buckeyes and a devastating blow for the Badgers.

For Wisconsin, losing out on a player of Sanna’s caliber is especially difficult for several reasons. First, Wisconsin’s defense has been the backbone of the team for years, and linebackers, in particular, have been a staple of their success. Wisconsin’s strong linebacker corps, often regarded as one of the best in the country, has been a major selling point for recruits. Losing out on a highly rated linebacker like Sanna weakens the Badgers’ chances of continuing that tradition and maintaining their defensive prowess.

Secondly, Sanna’s commitment to Ohio State signals a broader trend in recruiting, where top recruits are increasingly choosing to commit to programs with higher-profile national brands, more recent success, and better access to national exposure. Ohio State has consistently been a contender for the College Football Playoff and regularly competes for national championships, making it a highly attractive destination for top recruits like Sanna.

The Broader Context of Wisconsin’s Recruiting Struggles

While Sanna’s commitment to Ohio State certainly stings, it is not an isolated incident. Wisconsin’s 2026 recruiting class has been marked by a series of disappointing losses, with several highly regarded players choosing other schools, often in the Big Ten or from programs with a similar profile to Ohio State. Wisconsin’s struggles in recruiting have been compounded by several key factors, including:

1. The Changing Landscape of College Football

The landscape of college football has shifted dramatically in recent years, and Wisconsin has found itself facing an uphill battle to compete with the “blue bloods” of the sport, especially in recruiting. Programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia consistently recruit at an elite level, offering high school athletes not only the chance to play at a national powerhouse but also the opportunity to compete for championships and secure significant NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

With the advent of NIL deals, recruiting has become even more competitive. Players are now able to profit from their image, which has made some of the most established programs even more attractive. Ohio State, for instance, has been able to leverage its national prominence to secure lucrative NIL deals for its players, making it an even more appealing destination for high school stars like Sanna.

While Wisconsin has made strides in adapting to the NIL era, it still lags behind some of the biggest programs in terms of the resources available to players. This has made it more difficult for the Badgers to compete with schools that offer more in terms of exposure, financial incentives, and the chance to compete for national titles.

2. Wisconsin’s Recent Performance and National Exposure

Another factor contributing to Wisconsin’s recruiting struggles is the team’s recent performance on the field. While the Badgers have been consistently competitive in the Big Ten and have made bowl games year after year, they have not been able to break into the upper echelon of the college football elite in recent seasons. This has made it harder for them to lure top-tier recruits who are looking for a program that can offer them national exposure and the chance to compete at the highest levels.

The Badgers’ defense has remained strong, but the offense has been inconsistent at times, and the team has not had the same level of success as programs like Ohio State or Michigan, who have consistently been in the College Football Playoff conversation. While Wisconsin remains a solid and respected program, they have not been able to break through and make a national championship run, and recruits are increasingly looking for schools that can provide that opportunity.

3. Changing Coaching Staff and System Adjustments

In recent years, Wisconsin has gone through some changes in its coaching staff, most notably the hiring of Luke Fickell as head coach. Fickell, who came to Wisconsin after a successful stint at Cincinnati, is a highly regarded coach with a strong track record of success, but the transition from the previous staff to Fickell’s regime has posed its own set of challenges.

Coaching changes can be a double-edged sword in recruiting. While a new head coach can bring a fresh perspective and excitement to a program, it can also cause uncertainty among recruits. Players who had previously committed to Wisconsin under the old regime might find themselves questioning their decision, while other recruits may be hesitant to commit to a program with a new coaching staff that has yet to prove itself at the Power Five level.

Fickell’s staff is still working to establish its culture and identity at Wisconsin, and recruiting is an area that will take time to build and stabilize. For a program like Wisconsin, which has traditionally relied on stability, consistency, and development, the shift in coaching staff may have created some instability in recruiting as well.

The Ohio State Factor

When it comes to recruiting battles in the Big Ten, few programs are as consistently formidable as Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long been a national powerhouse, and their recruiting class rankings consistently place them among the top five programs in the country. Ohio State’s success on the field, its ability to compete for national titles, and its extensive network of resources make it an incredibly attractive destination for top-tier recruits, including linebackers like Sanna.

Sanna’s decision to choose Ohio State over Wisconsin is a reflection of the growing divide between programs like the Buckeyes and others in the Big Ten, particularly when it comes to recruiting elite talent. Ohio State’s national appeal and success have allowed it to dominate in recruiting, especially in states like Illinois, where Sanna hails from. While Wisconsin can still recruit top-tier talent, competing with Ohio State for elite prospects has become increasingly difficult.

The Road Ahead for Wisconsin’s Recruiting

The Badgers’ recruiting struggles in 2026 underscore the challenges they face in a rapidly changing college football landscape. While Wisconsin remains a respected program with a rich history, it must find a way to bridge the gap in recruiting with schools like Ohio State that have more resources, more national exposure, and a more consistent track record of success.

However, there are reasons for optimism. Wisconsin has a strong tradition of developing talent, and its coaching staff under Fickell has proven capable of identifying undervalued prospects and turning them into contributors. As Fickell continues to implement his system and culture at Wisconsin, the Badgers may be able to regain their recruiting foothold, particularly with players who value development, strong team culture, and the opportunity to play early.

Additionally, Wisconsin’s passionate fan base, storied history, and commitment to building a competitive team should continue to be selling points for recruits. While the loss of CJ Sanna is certainly a blow, the Badgers are far from done in their quest to build a championship-caliber team.