The Badgers are in the top group for a big target out west.
The Wisconsin Badgers made the Top 6 for 2026 four-star linebacker Tristan Phillips, he announced earlier this week, marking a good sign for a top target in the junior class.
#Badgers make the Top 6 for one of the top 2026 LBs. https://t.co/FUPYfeIPCH
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 11, 2024
Phillips, a native of Ventura, California, listed Washington, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Utah as his top six schools.
A 6’3, 215-pound linebacker, Phillips has been a target of the Badgers since they offered him a scholarship back in April, being one of the early teams to show interest in the four-star.
Now up to 18 offers, including some top powers in his final list, Phillips is expected to make a decision on his commitment next month, and could be a major addition to Wisconsin’s 2026 class as they continue to ramp up efforts in the cycle.
A three-sport athlete, Phillips began to really blow up after his sophomore year, with schools like Wisconsin, Washington, and Notre Dame extending offers this spring.
While a number of schools are notably on the West Coast, the four-star revealed to Bucky’s 5th Quarter that location and weather won’t be major factors in his recruitment, as his ultimate goal is to play at a high level.
The Badgers have seemingly done well here, but will be competing with a tough list of schools to nab one of their top targets at the position in the class, with a decision date coming in less than a month.