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Wisconsin Badgers at risk of falling behind for elite QB in 2027 recruiting class

The Wisconsin Badgers were an early favorite for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class, but more schools are entering the mix, leaving Luke Fickell's staff at a high risk of falling behind.
Lorin Cox|
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell watches his quarterbacks throw passes during practice just outside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 7, 2024.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell watches his quarterbacks throw passes during practice just outside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 7, 2024. | Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers were an early favorite for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class, but more schools are entering the mix, leaving Luke Fickell's staff at a high risk of falling behind.

Four-star quarterback Israel Abrams from Lombard, Illinois is ranked as a Top 5 QB in the country by both 247 Sports and ESPN.

It's no surprise, then, that more and more teams are showing interest, especially after the winter coaching carousel.

According to Rivals, Penn State has become a major player for Abrams after hiring Matt Campbell, who has already starting to sway the QB toward Iowa State prior to his departure.

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Wisconsin remains in the mix, but they're going to have a tough fight for the highly coveted prospect.

Texas and USC are among the bigger name schools entering the fray, and the list of suitors is only going to grow in the coming months.

Earlier this season, Abrams was seen wearing a Wisconsin Badgers towel during one of his high school games, and he took a recruiting visit to Madison for the Maryland game.

Related: 'We call them draft picks now' Wisconsin Badgers changing high school recruiting philosophy

The existing relationship with Fickell's staff gives them a head start, but summer official visits are going to be key.

Abrams indicated earlier this year that he will likely decide on his commitment after making those trips next May and June.

The pressure will be on the Badgers to close the deal and convince him Wisconsin is the best place to start his college career.

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Lorin Cox
LORIN COX

Lorin Cox is the managing editor of Wisconsin Badgers on SI. He has been covering Badgers sports since 2014, when he was an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. He previously wrote for the Wisconsin State Journal, NBC Sports Chicago and USA Today Sports Media Group, and he is a former analyst for Pro Football Focus.

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