Mystery Lineman from Virginia Chooses Wisconsin in Shocking Twist

From the iconic soaring views of Camp Randall Stadium to the meticulous recruitment strategy of the Wisconsin Badgers, I find myself compelled to delve into the budding stories of future gridiron stars. Here in Madison, where the echoes of the stadium’s cheers resonate with the verdant fields, the class of 2026 is shaping up with some thrilling additions, particularly on the offensive line.

I’ve always believed that the foundation of a great team begins in the trenches, and the Badgers, good gravy, they’re setting up quite the long-term outlook with their latest acquisition, Maddox Cochrane. Imagine a 6-foot-7, 285-pound tackle out of Richmond, Virginia pledging his allegiance to Wisconsin, a future possibly paving the way for more record-breaking plays. Cochrane’s announcement on X and Instagram was firm, ‘100% committed. #GoBadgers #OnWisconsin,’ a sentiment that does more than warm an old sportswriter’s heart; it promises a competitive edge for the Badgers on the big stage.

Now, consider this: Cochrane, a three-star recruit according to the likes of Rivals, 247sports, and On3, had options aplenty — Duke, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Rutgers, to name a mere few, yet his choice was…Wisconsin? His campus visit penciled in for late May… oh, it feels like the springboard to something monumental! His accolades, a mix of skill and sheer athletic dominance, led Benedictine College Prep to successive state championships where his presence was not just significant, it was the deciding factor.

As we look to the horizon for the Badgers’ journey, this addition of talent, alongside quarterbacks, receivers, other offensive talent, and defensive guns, paints an ambitious picture for Wisconsin. It’s not just about building a team, but crafting a legacy! The unseen cogs of the machine in recruitment, it’s so much more than just the ink on the contract.

Eager to dive deeper into how this recruitment, emboldened by the allure of the university’s fervent culture and the analytical prowess of the coaching staff, could redefine the Badgers’ potential? LEARN MORE.

MADISON – The Wisconsin Badgers’ 2026 class of offensive linemen is taking shape.The Badgers’ 2026 class now includes four offensive players: Cochrane, quarterback Ryan Hopkins, receiver Tayshon Bardo and offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. The class also includes Carsen Eloms, a cornerback from Indiana, and Carmelow Reed, an edge rusher from the Chicago area.Cochrane is considered a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247sports and On3. His offer from Wisconsin came in March of last year.

Maddox Cochrane, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound tackle from Richmond, Virginia, announced his commitment to the Badgers Sunday evening. He is the second offensive lineman in the Badgers’ class and the sixth known recruit overall.Cochrane, who attends Benedictine College Prep, announced the news on X and Instagram with the caption 100% committed. #GoBadgers #OnWisconsin.

Cochrane was a first-team all-state selection this past season who helped Benedictine win its second straight state championship.Cochrane announced his choice after announcing 15 FBS Division I offers on X. The list included Virginia and Virginia Tech as well as Maryland and Rutgers. From those offers he announced official visits to Duke, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Rutgers. His official visit to Wisconsin is scheduled for May 29-June 1.