Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium.
After hosting Zachary Taylor for an official visit, the Wisconsin football staff quickly locked-in a commitment with the defensive back.
Taylor, a three-star 2026 defensive back from Texas, announced his commitment to the Badgers just days after stepping foot on campus for the first time.
Taylor is one of the newest recruits Wisconsin contact within the 2026 class, earning a scholarship in late April from the staff. Wisconsin acted quickly, however, and booked an official visit with a recruit who appeared to be destined to stay close to home.
Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is shown during spring football practice Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The defensive back previously visited TCU, Texas Tech, and Houston and had positive interactions with all programs. The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound defensive back has the ability to play both safety and cornerback with ease which has drawn extra attention towards the recruit.
Wisconsin not only added a great talent on the field in Taylor, but also added to the 2026 recruiting class in a major way. Taylor is currently the top ranked recruit in the 2026 recruiting class for the Badgers.
Wisconsin Football Adds Versatile Defensive Back Zachary Taylor to the 2026 Recruiting Class
Wisconsin Badgers, Darrion Dupree
Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) rushes with the football during warmups prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin adding Zachary Taylor is a big addition and not only because of the rating of the recruit but also due to his rare skillset.
As mentioned previously, Taylor stands tall at 6-feet-2-inches which is a massive frame for a defensive back. Taylor also possesses rare speed, recording a 4.39 40-yard dash time previously which would put the defensive back in elite company. The recruit has great footwork, a long frame, and speed skills that simply cannot be taught which has truly set Taylor apart in the eyes of the Wisconsin football staff.
Taylor had been one of the top recruits on the recruiting board of Wisconsin and represents a major win far from home for the staff as well. Moving forward, Taylor will likely play safety after coach Jack Cooper extended the original scholarship offer. However Wisconsin could certainly move Taylor around and utilize the defensive back in many different ways.
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talk before a game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
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