Wisconsin Badgers lose versatile 2026 commit to one of their biggest Big Ten rivals

Right before the start of the early signing period, the Wisconsin Badgers lost an impressive recruit in the class of 2026 to a Big Ten rival.

Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images | Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Early National Signing Day is less than 24 hours away, and the madness of the recruiting cycle is rearing its head.

That means plenty of chaos is coming, and there have already been a slew of moves that have impacted the Badgers.

Related: Wisconsin Badgers flip speedy WR for class of 2026 who was committed to Vanderbilt

Tuesday afternoon, just days after national recruiting analysts predicted the move, Wisconsin Badgers class of 2026 recruit Jack Janda flipped his commitment to Iowa.

I’M HOME!!! 🐤🖤💛 #gohawkeyes @CoachK_Bell @CoachParkerIowa @TylerBarnesIOWA @Spauldingiowa pic.twitter.com/azpRysHOqx

— Jack Janda (@JackJanda87) December 2, 2025

A three-star player who was viewed primarily as a tight end before a breakout senior season as a defensive lineman, Janda had been committed to Wisconsin since June 4.

The Novi, Michigan native had taken visits to Stanford, Illinois and Michigan State in the weeks after committing. Iowa didn't extend an offer until Nov. 9.

Why are we not talking about Janda being one of the best DL in the country?

Detroit Catholic Central 2026 TE/DE Jack Janda (Wisconsin commit) breaks the double team and makes a strong sack.

10/25/2025 #2 Detroit Catholic Central (9-0) beat #14 Detroit King (5-4) 26-14… pic.twitter.com/scldMGBzcF

— The D Zone (@TheD_Zone) October 29, 2025

Still, the Hawkeyes made a strong enough impression to land Janda's official pledge just before the early signing period.

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Janda will likely play on the defensive side at the collegiate level.

pic.twitter.com/HJiBi4jO7P

— Detroit Catholic Central Football (@DCCfootball) November 17, 2025

The two-way star helped leaded Detroit Catholic Central Football to a Division 1 state championship this fall, ending the season with a perfect 14-0 record.

With Janda pulling his pledge, Wisconsin is down to 13 in the class of 2026. They've also secured a commitment from Taylor Schaefer, a rising junior linebacker from the JUCO ranks.

The Badgers still have a tight end in the class, with three-star Jack Sievers holding that title. Three-stars Yahya Gaad, Djidjou Bah and Arthur Scott make up Wisconsin's current 2026 defensive line commits.

More Wisconsin Badgers News:

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